Engineering Michigan (MI) Rank #25 of 50

Marine Engineer Salary in Michigan

The median marine engineer salary in Michigan is $92,065 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $96,910.

Median Salary
$92,065
vs National
$-4,845
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Marine Engineer Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for marine engineer compensation. Michigan falls in the middle of the pack for marine engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $92,065 per year, marine engineers in Michigan earn $4,845 less than the national median of $96,910.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $92,065 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $102,294 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: marine engineers at the 10th percentile earn $55,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $144,400 — a $89,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $106,601.

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for marine engineers across the country.

Marine Engineer Salary in Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,750 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,100
$-4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,750
$-7,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $55,100
25th Percentile $72,200
Median (50th) $92,065
75th Percentile $117,800
90th Percentile $144,400

Marine Engineer Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for marine engineers in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Michigan

Education

Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Michigan has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook in Michigan

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Michigan's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Marine Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $45,685 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Michigan

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Michigan? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Michigan is $92,065 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $55,100 (10th percentile) to $144,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,065, a marine engineer in Michigan earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for marine engineers? ▼
Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for marine engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level marine engineers earn $58,900, while senior professionals earn $137,750.
How does Michigan compare to other states for marine engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for marine engineers is Hawaii at $164,747. Michigan's median of $92,065 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($93,034) and Illinois ($92,065).
What is the entry-level marine engineer salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level marine engineer in Michigan earns approximately $58,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $93,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $137,750.
What city in Michigan pays marine engineers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for marine engineers, with a median salary of $106,601. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.