Marine Engineer Salary in 2026
Marine engineers design, build, and maintain ships, boats, and offshore structures. They develop propulsion systems, hull designs, and onboard machinery for maritime vessels.
Median Salary
$93,000
$7,750/mo
Entry Level
$62,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$129,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Marine Engineer Overview
Marine engineers design, build, and maintain ships, boats, and offshore structures. They develop propulsion systems, hull designs, and onboard machinery for maritime vessels.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
12K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$44.71/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,750
Marine Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Marine Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Marine Engineer Salary
$106,000
$8,833/month · $4,077/biweekly · $50.96/hr
Marine Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Marine Engineer field.
Entry-level Marine Engineers earn around $62,000, while the top 10% earn $145,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Marine Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $110,000 | +$17,000 |
| Washington | $104,000 | +$11,000 |
| Virginia | $99,000 | +$6,000 |
| Texas | $91,000 | $-2,000 |
| Louisiana | $86,000 | $-7,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Marine Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $106,000 | +$13,000 |
| San Diego | $102,000 | +$9,000 |
| Houston | $92,000 | $-1,000 |
| Norfolk | $89,000 | $-4,000 |
| New Orleans | $88,000 | $-5,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Marine Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Marine Engineer from entry level to expert.
$62,000
0-2 years
$96,000
3-7 years
$129,000
8-14 years
$161,000
15+ years
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Marine Engineer Salary FAQ
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