Engineering Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Marine Engineer Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median marine engineer salary in Wilmington, DE is $101,756 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$101,756
vs State Avg
+$3,877
vs National
+$4,846
Cost of Living
105%

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

Wilmington offers a median marine engineer salary of $101,756, which is $3,877 above the Delaware state average of $97,879. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Wilmington pays above average for this role.

Wilmington's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for marine engineers in Wilmington spans from $60,900 at the 10th percentile to $159,600 at the 90th percentile — a $98,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,100, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,250. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $65,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,100
+$3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,900
+$4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,250
+$7,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $60,900
25th Percentile $79,800
Median (50th) $101,756
75th Percentile $130,200
90th Percentile $159,600

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$98,848
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$95,941
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$94,972
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$93,034
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Wilmington

Education

Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Wilmington and the surrounding Delaware 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 Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open marine engineer positions in Wilmington, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $101,756 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $60,900 (10th percentile) to $159,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,756, a marine engineer in Wilmington earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Wilmington's median marine engineer salary of $101,756 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $97,879. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, DE? ▼
Wilmington has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $101,756 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Wilmington? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Wilmington 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.