Engineering Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Marine Engineer Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median marine engineer salary in Arlington, VA is $127,921 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$127,921
vs State Avg
+$27,135
vs National
+$31,011
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median marine engineer salary of $127,921, which is $27,135 above the Virginia state average of $100,786. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $127,921 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,910. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for marine engineers in Arlington spans from $76,560 at the 10th percentile to $200,640 at the 90th percentile — a $124,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,840, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $191,400. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $81,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $191,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,840
+$19,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,360
+$31,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$191,400
+$46,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $76,560
25th Percentile $100,320
Median (50th) $127,921
75th Percentile $163,680
90th Percentile $200,640

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$98,848
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$96,910
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$94,972
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$93,034
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Arlington

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Arlington

Browse open marine engineer positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Arlington

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Arlington, Virginia is $127,921 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $76,560 (10th percentile) to $200,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,921, a marine engineer in Arlington earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Arlington's median marine engineer salary of $127,921 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $100,786. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $127,921 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Arlington? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Arlington 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.