Engineering Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Marine Engineer Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median marine engineer salary in Tacoma, WA is $106,601 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$106,601
vs State Avg
$-4,845
vs National
+$9,691
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median marine engineer salary of $106,601, which is $4,845 below the Washington state average of $111,446. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $63,800 at the 10th percentile to $167,200 at the 90th percentile — a $103,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,200, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,500. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $68,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,200
+$6,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,800
+$9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,500
+$14,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $63,800
25th Percentile $83,600
Median (50th) $106,601
75th Percentile $136,400
90th Percentile $167,200

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open marine engineer positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Tacoma, Washington is $106,601 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $63,800 (10th percentile) to $167,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,601, a marine engineer in Tacoma earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Tacoma's median marine engineer salary of $106,601 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $111,446. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $106,601 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Tacoma? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Tacoma 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.