Marine Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $83,343 (2026)

Marine Engineer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median marine engineer salary of $83,343, which is $5,814 below the North Carolina state average of $89,157. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $83,343 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Winston-Salem spans from $49,880 at the 10th percentile to $130,720 at the 90th percentile — a $80,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,320, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,700. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $53,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,320

$-8,680 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$84,280

$-13,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$124,700

$-20,300 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$49,880	$53,360	$58,000
25th Percentile	$65,360	$69,920	$76,000
Median (50th)	$83,343	$89,157	$96,910
75th Percentile	$106,640	$114,080	$124,000
90th Percentile	$130,720	$139,840	$152,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$49,880

25th Percentile

$65,360

Median (50th)

$83,343

75th Percentile

$106,640

90th Percentile

$130,720

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median marine engineer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $83,343 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $49,880 (10th percentile) to $130,720 (90th percentile).

How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $83,343, a marine engineer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for marine engineer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median marine engineer salary of $83,343 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $89,157. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $83,343 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most marine engineer positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Marine Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina