Engineering Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Marine Engineer Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median marine engineer salary in Owensboro, KY is $79,466 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$79,466
vs State Avg
$-4,846
vs National
$-17,444
Cost of Living
82%

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

Owensboro offers a median marine engineer salary of $79,466, which is $4,846 below the Kentucky state average of $84,312. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $79,466 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Owensboro spans from $47,560 at the 10th percentile to $124,640 at the 90th percentile — a $77,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,840, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,900. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $50,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,840
$-11,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,360
$-17,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,900
$-26,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Owensboro, KY

Percentile Owensboro
10th Percentile $47,560
25th Percentile $62,320
Median (50th) $79,466
75th Percentile $101,680
90th Percentile $124,640

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$90,126
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$89,157
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$85,281
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$81,404
Pop. 74,735

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Owensboro

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open marine engineer positions in Owensboro, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $79,466 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $47,560 (10th percentile) to $124,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,466, a marine engineer in Owensboro earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Owensboro's median marine engineer salary of $79,466 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $84,312. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $79,466 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Owensboro? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Owensboro 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.