Engineering Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Marine Engineer Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median marine engineer salary in Wheeling, WV is $75,590 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$75,590
vs State Avg
$-5,814
vs National
$-21,320
Cost of Living
78%

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

Wheeling offers a median marine engineer salary of $75,590, which is $5,814 below the West Virginia state average of $81,404. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $75,590 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Wheeling spans from $45,240 at the 10th percentile to $118,560 at the 90th percentile — a $73,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,360, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $113,100. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $48,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,360
$-13,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,440
$-21,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$113,100
$-31,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $45,240
25th Percentile $59,280
Median (50th) $75,590
75th Percentile $96,720
90th Percentile $118,560

Marine Engineer Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$87,219
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$85,281
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$79,466
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$77,528
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Wheeling

Education

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open marine engineer positions in Wheeling, WV:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $75,590 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $45,240 (10th percentile) to $118,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,590, a marine engineer in Wheeling earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Wheeling's median marine engineer salary of $75,590 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $81,404. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $75,590 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Wheeling? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Wheeling 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.