Engineering Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Marine Engineer Salary in Delaware

The median marine engineer salary in Delaware is $97,879 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $96,910.

Median Salary
$97,879
vs National
+$969
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Marine Engineer Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for marine engineer compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for marine engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $97,879 per year, marine engineers in Delaware earn $969 more than the national median of $96,910.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning marine engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: marine engineers at the 10th percentile earn $58,580, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $153,520 — a $94,940 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $101,756.

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 Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $62,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $146,450 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,620
+$620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,980
+$980 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$146,450
+$1,450 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $58,580
25th Percentile $76,760
Median (50th) $97,879
75th Percentile $125,240
90th Percentile $153,520

Marine Engineer Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for marine engineers in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook in Delaware

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Delaware

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Delaware? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Delaware is $97,879 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $58,580 (10th percentile) to $153,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,879, a marine engineer in Delaware earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for marine engineers? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for marine engineer pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level marine engineers earn $62,620, while senior professionals earn $146,450.
How does Delaware compare to other states for marine engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for marine engineers is Hawaii at $164,747. Delaware's median of $97,879 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($101,756) and Virginia ($100,786).
What is the entry-level marine engineer salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level marine engineer in Delaware earns approximately $62,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $98,980. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $146,450.
What city in Delaware pays marine engineers the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for marine engineers, with a median salary of $101,756. Other cities include Dover and Newark.