Engineering Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Marine Engineer Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median marine engineer salary in Reading, PA is $85,281 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$85,281
vs State Avg
$-7,753
vs National
$-11,629
Cost of Living
88%

Marine Engineer Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median marine engineer salary of $85,281, which is $7,753 below the Pennsylvania state average of $93,034. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $85,281 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Reading spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $133,760 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,560, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,600. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,240
$-11,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,600
$-17,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $51,040
25th Percentile $66,880
Median (50th) $85,281
75th Percentile $109,120
90th Percentile $133,760

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$98,848
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$91,095
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$90,126
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$81,404
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Reading

Education

Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Reading and the surrounding Pennsylvania 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 Reading may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Reading

Browse open marine engineer positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Reading

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $85,281 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $51,040 (10th percentile) to $133,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,281, a marine engineer in Reading earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Reading's median marine engineer salary of $85,281 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $93,034. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $85,281 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Reading? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Reading 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.