Engineering Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Marine Engineer Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median marine engineer salary in Charleston, SC is $96,910 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$96,910
vs State Avg
+$10,660
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Charleston offers a median marine engineer salary of $96,910, which is $10,660 above the South Carolina state average of $86,250. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $58,000 at the 10th percentile to $152,000 at the 90th percentile — a $94,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,000, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $62,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $58,000
25th Percentile $76,000
Median (50th) $96,910
75th Percentile $124,000
90th Percentile $152,000

Marine Engineer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$101,756
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$92,065
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$89,157
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$87,219
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Charleston

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Charleston

Browse open marine engineer positions in Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Charleston

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $96,910 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $58,000 (10th percentile) to $152,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,910, a marine engineer in Charleston earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Charleston's median marine engineer salary of $96,910 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $86,250. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $96,910 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Charleston? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Charleston 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.