Engineering Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Marine Engineer Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median marine engineer salary in Seattle, WA is $143,427 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$143,427
vs State Avg
+$31,981
vs National
+$46,517
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median marine engineer salary of $143,427, which is $31,981 above the Washington state average of $111,446. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $143,427 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,910. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for marine engineers in Seattle spans from $85,840 at the 10th percentile to $224,960 at the 90th percentile — a $139,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,760, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $214,600. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Marine Engineer Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $91,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $214,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,760
+$29,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,040
+$47,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$214,600
+$69,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $85,840
25th Percentile $112,480
Median (50th) $143,427
75th Percentile $183,520
90th Percentile $224,960

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$147,303
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$106,601
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$98,848
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$89,157
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Seattle

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Seattle

Browse open marine engineer positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Seattle

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Seattle, Washington is $143,427 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $85,840 (10th percentile) to $224,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $143,427, a marine engineer in Seattle earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Seattle's median marine engineer salary of $143,427 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $111,446. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $143,427 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Seattle? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Seattle 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.