Engineering Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Marine Engineer Salary in Missouri

The median marine engineer salary in Missouri is $85,281 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $96,910.

Median Salary
$85,281
vs National
$-11,629
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Marine Engineer Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for marine engineer compensation. Marine Engineer salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $85,281 per year, marine engineers in Missouri earn $11,629 less than the national median of $96,910.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $85,281 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $96,910 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: marine engineers at the 10th percentile earn $51,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $133,760 — a $82,720 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $89,157.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,600 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri 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

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

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

Marine Engineer Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for marine engineers in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook in Missouri

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Missouri'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 $42,319 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Missouri

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Missouri? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Missouri 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 Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,281, a marine engineer in Missouri earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for marine engineers? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for marine engineer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level marine engineers earn $54,560, while senior professionals earn $127,600.
How does Missouri compare to other states for marine engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for marine engineers is Hawaii at $164,747. Missouri's median of $85,281 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($86,250) and Tennessee ($86,250).
What is the entry-level marine engineer salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level marine engineer in Missouri earns approximately $54,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $127,600.
What city in Missouri pays marine engineers the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for marine engineers, with a median salary of $89,157. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.