Marine Engineer Salary in Kansas City, KS: $85,281 (2026)

Marine Engineer Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median marine engineer salary of $85,281, which is $969 above the Kansas state average of $84,312. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $85,281 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Kansas City an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Kansas City spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $133,760 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,560, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,600. With a population of 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$54,560

$-7,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$86,240

$-11,760 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$127,600

$-17,400 vs national

Percentile	Kansas City	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$51,040	$50,460	$58,000
25th Percentile	$66,880	$66,120	$76,000
Median (50th)	$85,281	$84,312	$96,910
75th Percentile	$109,120	$107,880	$124,000
90th Percentile	$133,760	$132,240	$152,000

Percentile

Kansas City

10th Percentile

$51,040

25th Percentile

$66,880

Median (50th)

$85,281

75th Percentile

$109,120

90th Percentile

$133,760

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Kansas City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Kansas City, KS? ▼

The median marine engineer salary in Kansas City, Kansas is $85,281 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $51,040 (10th percentile) to $133,760 (90th percentile).

How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Kansas City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $85,281, a marine engineer in Kansas City earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for marine engineer pay? ▼

Kansas City's median marine engineer salary of $85,281 is 1.1% above the Kansas state average of $84,312. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼

Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $85,281 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Kansas City? ▼

Most marine engineer positions in Kansas City 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.

Marine Engineer Salary in Kansas City, Kansas