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
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 $93,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $62,000, while senior professionals earn up to $129,000. Top earners in the field can make $161,000 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 12K 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 $99,000. 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 $62,000 to $129,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Marine Engineer Salary
How we calculate Marine Engineer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $93,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Marine Engineer in the Engineering sector.
- Entry-level ($62,000) and senior-level ($129,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 12K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 14% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Engineering sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $93,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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