Marine Engineer Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median marine engineer salary in Durham, NC is $92,065 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Marine Engineer Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median marine engineer salary of $92,065, which is $2,908 above the North Carolina state average of $89,157. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for marine engineers in Durham spans from $55,100 at the 10th percentile to $144,400 at the 90th percentile — a $89,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,900, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,750. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Marine Engineer Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $55,100 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,200 |
| Median (50th) | $92,065 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $144,400 |
Marine Engineer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Marine Engineer in Durham
Education
Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Durham
Browse open marine engineer positions in Durham, NC: