Engineering Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Marine Engineer Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median marine engineer salary in Detroit, MI is $90,126 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.1% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$90,126
vs State Avg
$-1,939
vs National
$-6,784
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median marine engineer salary of $90,126, which is $1,939 below the Michigan state average of $92,065. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $90,126 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $102,416 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Detroit spans from $53,940 at the 10th percentile to $141,360 at the 90th percentile — a $87,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,660, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $134,850. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Marine Engineer Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $57,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,850 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,660
$-4,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,140
$-6,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,850
$-10,150 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $53,940
25th Percentile $70,680
Median (50th) $90,126
75th Percentile $115,320
90th Percentile $141,360

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$106,601
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$92,065
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$90,126
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$88,188
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Detroit

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Detroit

Browse open marine engineer positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Detroit

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Detroit, Michigan is $90,126 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $53,940 (10th percentile) to $141,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,126, a marine engineer in Detroit earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Detroit's median marine engineer salary of $90,126 is 2.1% below the Michigan state average of $92,065. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $90,126 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Detroit? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Detroit 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.