Marine Engineer Salary in Bowling Green, KY: $81,404 (2026)

Marine Engineer Pay in Bowling Green: What to Expect (2026)

Bowling Green offers a median marine engineer salary of $81,404, which is $2,908 below the Kentucky state average of $84,312. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Bowling Green pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Bowling Green's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $81,404 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Bowling Green an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Bowling Green spans from $48,720 at the 10th percentile to $127,680 at the 90th percentile — a $78,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,080, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,800. Bowling Green is a smaller market (pop. 74,735), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Bowling Green by Experience

In Bowling Green, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $52,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,080

$-9,920 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,320

$-15,680 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$121,800

$-23,200 vs national

Percentile	Bowling Green	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$48,720	$50,460	$58,000
25th Percentile	$63,840	$66,120	$76,000
Median (50th)	$81,404	$84,312	$96,910
75th Percentile	$104,160	$107,880	$124,000
90th Percentile	$127,680	$132,240	$152,000

Percentile

Bowling Green

10th Percentile

$48,720

25th Percentile

$63,840

Median (50th)

$81,404

75th Percentile

$104,160

90th Percentile

$127,680

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Bowling Green

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Bowling Green

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Bowling Green, KY? ▼

The median marine engineer salary in Bowling Green, Kentucky is $81,404 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $48,720 (10th percentile) to $127,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Bowling Green? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $81,404, a marine engineer in Bowling Green earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Bowling Green compare to the Kentucky state average for marine engineer pay? ▼

Bowling Green's median marine engineer salary of $81,404 is 3.4% below the Kentucky state average of $84,312. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Bowling Green, KY? ▼

Bowling Green has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $81,404 in Bowling Green has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Bowling Green? ▼

Most marine engineer positions in Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green, Kentucky