Engineering Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Marine Engineer Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median marine engineer salary in Hilo, HI is $147,303 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$147,303
vs State Avg
$-17,444
vs National
+$50,393
Cost of Living
152%

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

Hilo offers a median marine engineer salary of $147,303, which is $17,444 below the Hawaii state average of $164,747. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Hilo pays above average for this role.

However, Hilo's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $147,303 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,910. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for marine engineers in Hilo spans from $88,160 at the 10th percentile to $231,040 at the 90th percentile — a $142,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $94,240, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $220,400. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $94,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $220,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$94,240
+$32,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,960
+$50,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$220,400
+$75,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $88,160
25th Percentile $115,520
Median (50th) $147,303
75th Percentile $188,480
90th Percentile $231,040

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$169,593
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$164,747
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$162,809
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$156,994
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Hilo

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Hilo

Browse open marine engineer positions in Hilo, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Hilo

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $147,303 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $88,160 (10th percentile) to $231,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $147,303, a marine engineer in Hilo earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Hilo's median marine engineer salary of $147,303 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $164,747. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hilo, HI? ▼
Hilo has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $147,303 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Hilo? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Hilo 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.