Engineering Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Marine Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median marine engineer salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $98,848 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$98,848
vs State Avg
$-1,938
vs National
+$1,938
Cost of Living
102%

Marine Engineer Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median marine engineer salary of $98,848, which is $1,938 below the Virginia state average of $100,786. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $59,160 at the 10th percentile to $155,040 at the 90th percentile — a $95,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,240, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $147,900. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $63,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,240
+$1,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,960
+$1,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,900
+$2,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $59,160
25th Percentile $77,520
Median (50th) $98,848
75th Percentile $126,480
90th Percentile $155,040

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$127,921
Pop. 238,643
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 Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open marine engineer positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $98,848 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $59,160 (10th percentile) to $155,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,848, a marine engineer in Virginia Beach earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median marine engineer salary of $98,848 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $100,786. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $98,848 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Virginia Beach 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.