Engineering Montana (MT) Rank #26 of 50

Marine Engineer Salary in Montana

The median marine engineer salary in Montana 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
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Marine Engineer Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #26 out of 50 states for marine engineer compensation. Marine Engineer salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $92,065 per year, marine engineers in Montana earn $4,845 less than the national median of $96,910.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning marine engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana 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 Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $111,446.

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 Montana by Experience

In Montana, 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 Montana is 95% 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 Montana

Percentile MT 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 Montana

The largest employment areas for marine engineers in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Montana'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 Montana

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Montana? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Montana 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 Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,065, a marine engineer in Montana earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for marine engineers? ▼
Montana ranks #26 out of 50 states for marine engineer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level marine engineers earn $58,900, while senior professionals earn $137,750.
How does Montana compare to other states for marine engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for marine engineers is Hawaii at $164,747. Montana's median of $92,065 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($92,065) and Michigan ($92,065).
What is the entry-level marine engineer salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level marine engineer in Montana 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 Montana pays marine engineers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for marine engineers, with a median salary of $111,446. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.