Engineering Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Marine Engineer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median marine engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $103,694 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$103,694
vs State Avg
+$11,629
vs National
+$6,784
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median marine engineer salary of $103,694, which is $11,629 above the Illinois state average of $92,065. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% 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 Chicago spans from $62,060 at the 10th percentile to $162,640 at the 90th percentile — a $100,580 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,340, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,150. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Marine Engineer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $66,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,150 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,340
+$4,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$104,860
+$6,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,150
+$10,150 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $62,060
25th Percentile $81,320
Median (50th) $103,694
75th Percentile $132,680
90th Percentile $162,640

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$104,663
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$92,065
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$82,374
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$79,466
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Chicago

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open marine engineer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $103,694 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $62,060 (10th percentile) to $162,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,694, a marine engineer in Chicago earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Chicago's median marine engineer salary of $103,694 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $92,065. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $103,694 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Chicago? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Chicago 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.