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
$112,230
$9,353/mo
Entry Level
$74,800
starting pay
Senior Level
$155,700
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (SOC 17-2121) at a national median of $112,230 per year (mean $124,180), or $53.96 per hour, with 8,250 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
8K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$53.96/hr
Monthly Pay
$9,353
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
$128,000
$10,667/month · $4,923/biweekly · $61.54/hr
Marine Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Marine Engineer field.
Entry-level Marine Engineers earn around $74,800, while the top 10% earn $175,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Marine Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $132,000 | +$19,770 |
| Washington | $126,000 | +$13,770 |
| Virginia | $119,000 | +$6,770 |
| Texas | $110,000 | $-2,230 |
| Louisiana | $103,000 | $-9,230 |
Top Paying Cities for Marine Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $128,000 | +$15,770 |
| San Diego | $123,000 | +$10,770 |
| Houston | $111,000 | $-1,230 |
| Norfolk | $108,000 | $-4,230 |
| New Orleans | $107,000 | $-5,230 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Marine Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Marine Engineer from entry level to expert.
$74,800
0-2 years
$115,000
3-7 years
$155,700
8-14 years
$194,300
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Marine Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Marine Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Marine Engineer in the United States is $112,230 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (SOC 17-2121); the mean is $124,180. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $74,800, senior professionals around $155,700, and top earners at $194,300 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Marine Engineer?
A Marine Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD. Relevant certifications such as PE License or USCG License can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Marine Engineers?
The job market for Marine Engineers is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 8K Marine Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 14%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Marine Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Marine Engineers include Virginia, Louisiana, Texas. In Virginia, the median salary is approximately $119,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Marine Engineer salary?
To increase your Marine Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Naval Architecture and Marine Systems. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Norfolk. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $74,800 to $155,700 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Marine Engineer Salary
How we calculate Marine Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (SOC 17-2121), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $112,230, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects; BLS mean $124,180; BLS hourly median $53.96.
- Entry-level ($74,800) and senior-level ($155,700) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 8,250 Marine Engineers and Naval Architects jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 14% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Engineering sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $112,230; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Marine Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Marine Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Marine Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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