Engineering Nebraska (NE) Rank #36 of 50

Marine Engineer Salary in Nebraska

The median marine engineer salary in Nebraska is $87,219 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,910.

Median Salary
$87,219
vs National
$-9,691
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Marine Engineer Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for marine engineer compensation. Marine Engineer salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $87,219 per year, marine engineers in Nebraska earn $9,691 less than the national median of $96,910.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $87,219 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $96,910 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: marine engineers at the 10th percentile earn $52,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $136,800 — a $84,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $90,126.

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 Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $55,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,500 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,800
$-6,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,500
$-14,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $52,200
25th Percentile $68,400
Median (50th) $87,219
75th Percentile $111,600
90th Percentile $136,800

Marine Engineer Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for marine engineers in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Nebraska

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook in Nebraska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Nebraska? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Nebraska is $87,219 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $52,200 (10th percentile) to $136,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,219, a marine engineer in Nebraska earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for marine engineers? ▼
Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for marine engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level marine engineers earn $55,800, while senior professionals earn $130,500.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for marine engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for marine engineers is Hawaii at $164,747. Nebraska's median of $87,219 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($88,188) and Indiana ($87,219).
What is the entry-level marine engineer salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level marine engineer in Nebraska earns approximately $55,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $88,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $130,500.
What city in Nebraska pays marine engineers the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for marine engineers, with a median salary of $90,126. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.