Engineering Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Marine Engineer Salary in Sacramento, California

The median marine engineer salary in Sacramento, CA is $114,354 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$114,354
vs State Avg
$-19,382
vs National
+$17,444
Cost of Living
118%

Marine Engineer Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median marine engineer salary of $114,354, which is $19,382 below the California state average of $133,736. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $114,354 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,910. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for marine engineers in Sacramento spans from $68,440 at the 10th percentile to $179,360 at the 90th percentile — a $110,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,160, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,100. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Marine Engineer Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $73,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,160
+$11,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,640
+$17,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$171,100
+$26,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $68,440
25th Percentile $89,680
Median (50th) $114,354
75th Percentile $146,320
90th Percentile $179,360

Marine Engineer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Sacramento

Education

Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open marine engineer positions in Sacramento, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Sacramento, California is $114,354 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $68,440 (10th percentile) to $179,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,354, a marine engineer in Sacramento earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Sacramento's median marine engineer salary of $114,354 is 14.5% below the California state average of $133,736. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $114,354 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Sacramento? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Sacramento require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.