Engineering Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Marine Engineer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median marine engineer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $94,972 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$94,972
vs State Avg
$-5,814
vs National
$-1,938
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median marine engineer salary of $94,972, which is $5,814 below the Virginia state average of $100,786. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $56,840 at the 10th percentile to $148,960 at the 90th percentile — a $92,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,760, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,100. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $60,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,760
$-1,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,040
$-1,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,100
$-2,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $56,840
25th Percentile $74,480
Median (50th) $94,972
75th Percentile $121,520
90th Percentile $148,960

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$127,921
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$98,848
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$96,910
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$93,034
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open marine engineer positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $94,972 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $56,840 (10th percentile) to $148,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,972, a marine engineer in Chesapeake earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median marine engineer salary of $94,972 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $100,786. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $94,972 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Chesapeake? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Chesapeake 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.