Engineering North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Marine Engineer Salary in North Dakota

The median marine engineer salary in North Dakota 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
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Marine Engineer Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for marine engineer compensation. Marine Engineer salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $87,219 per year, marine engineers in North Dakota earn $9,691 less than the national median of $96,910.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $91,095.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota

Percentile ND 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 North Dakota

The largest employment areas for marine engineers in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Marine Engineer in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Marine Engineer make in North Dakota? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in North Dakota 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 North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,219, a marine engineer in North Dakota earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for marine engineers? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 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 North Dakota compare to other states for marine engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for marine engineers is Hawaii at $164,747. North Dakota's median of $87,219 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($87,219) and Nebraska ($87,219).
What is the entry-level marine engineer salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level marine engineer in North Dakota 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 North Dakota pays marine engineers the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for marine engineers, with a median salary of $91,095. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.