Engineering Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Marine Engineer Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median marine engineer salary in Memphis, TN is $83,343 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$83,343
vs State Avg
$-2,907
vs National
$-13,567
Cost of Living
86%

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

Memphis offers a median marine engineer salary of $83,343, which is $2,907 below the Tennessee state average of $86,250. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis'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 Memphis an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Memphis 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. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Marine Engineer Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, 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

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $49,880
25th Percentile $65,360
Median (50th) $83,343
75th Percentile $106,640
90th Percentile $130,720

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$96,910
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$89,157
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$85,281
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$85,281
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Memphis

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Memphis

Browse open marine engineer positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Memphis

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Memphis, Tennessee 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 Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,343, a marine engineer in Memphis earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Memphis's median marine engineer salary of $83,343 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $86,250. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $83,343 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Memphis? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Memphis 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.