Engineering Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Marine Engineer Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median marine engineer salary in Lafayette, LA is $85,281 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$85,281
vs State Avg
$-2,907
vs National
$-11,629
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median marine engineer salary of $85,281, which is $2,907 below the Louisiana state average of $88,188. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette'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 Lafayette an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $51,040
25th Percentile $66,880
Median (50th) $85,281
75th Percentile $109,120
90th Percentile $133,760

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$94,972
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$89,157
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$83,343
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$82,374
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open marine engineer positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,281, a marine engineer in Lafayette earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Lafayette's median marine engineer salary of $85,281 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $88,188. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $85,281 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Lafayette? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Lafayette 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.