Engineering Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Marine Engineer Salary in Alaska

The median marine engineer salary in Alaska is $120,168 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $96,910.

Median Salary
$120,168
vs National
+$23,258
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Marine Engineer Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for marine engineer compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for marine engineers seeking high pay. At $120,168 per year, marine engineers in Alaska earn $23,258 more than the national median of $96,910.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $120,168 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $96,910.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: marine engineers at the 10th percentile earn $71,920, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $188,480 — a $116,560 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $130,829.

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for marine engineers across the country.

Marine Engineer Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $76,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,800 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,880
+$14,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,520
+$23,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,800
+$34,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $71,920
25th Percentile $94,240
Median (50th) $120,168
75th Percentile $153,760
90th Percentile $188,480

Marine Engineer Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for marine engineers in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Alaska

Education

Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Alaska

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Alaska? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Alaska is $120,168 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $71,920 (10th percentile) to $188,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,168, a marine engineer in Alaska earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for marine engineers? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for marine engineer pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level marine engineers earn $76,880, while senior professionals earn $179,800.
How does Alaska compare to other states for marine engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for marine engineers is Hawaii at $164,747. Alaska's median of $120,168 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($133,736) and Massachusetts ($130,829).
What is the entry-level marine engineer salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level marine engineer in Alaska earns approximately $76,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $121,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $179,800.
What city in Alaska pays marine engineers the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for marine engineers, with a median salary of $130,829. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.