Engineering Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Marine Engineer Salary in Hawaii

The median marine engineer salary in Hawaii is $164,747 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $96,910.

Median Salary
$164,747
vs National
+$67,837
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Marine Engineer Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for marine engineer compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for marine engineers seeking high pay. At $164,747 per year, marine engineers in Hawaii earn $67,837 more than the national median of $96,910.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $164,747 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $96,910.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: marine engineers at the 10th percentile earn $98,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $258,400 — a $159,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $169,593.

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 Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $105,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $246,500 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$105,400
+$43,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$166,600
+$68,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$246,500
+$101,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $98,600
25th Percentile $129,200
Median (50th) $164,747
75th Percentile $210,800
90th Percentile $258,400

Marine Engineer Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for marine engineers in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook in Hawaii

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Hawaii? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Hawaii is $164,747 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $98,600 (10th percentile) to $258,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $164,747, a marine engineer in Hawaii earns approximately $79 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for marine engineers? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for marine engineer pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level marine engineers earn $105,400, while senior professionals earn $246,500.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for marine engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for marine engineers is Hawaii at $164,747. Hawaii's median of $164,747 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($133,736) and Massachusetts ($130,829).
What is the entry-level marine engineer salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level marine engineer in Hawaii earns approximately $105,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $166,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $246,500.
What city in Hawaii pays marine engineers the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for marine engineers, with a median salary of $169,593. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.