Marine Engineer Salary in Houston, TX: $93,034 (2026)

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

Houston offers a median marine engineer salary of $93,034, which is $3,877 above the Texas state average of $89,157. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $55,680 at the 10th percentile to $145,920 at the 90th percentile — a $90,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,520, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,200. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Marine Engineer Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $59,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$59,520

$-2,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$94,080

$-3,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$139,200

$-5,800 vs national

Percentile	Houston	TX State	National
10th Percentile	$55,680	$53,360	$58,000
25th Percentile	$72,960	$69,920	$76,000
Median (50th)	$93,034	$89,157	$96,910
75th Percentile	$119,040	$114,080	$124,000
90th Percentile	$145,920	$139,840	$152,000

Percentile

Houston

10th Percentile

$55,680

25th Percentile

$72,960

Median (50th)

$93,034

75th Percentile

$119,040

90th Percentile

$145,920

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Houston

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Houston

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Houston, TX? ▼

The median marine engineer salary in Houston, Texas is $93,034 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $55,680 (10th percentile) to $145,920 (90th percentile).

How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Houston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $93,034, a marine engineer in Houston earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for marine engineer pay? ▼

Houston's median marine engineer salary of $93,034 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $89,157. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼

Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $93,034 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Houston? ▼

Most marine engineer positions in Houston 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 Houston, Texas