Marine Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 5K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$107,659
$51.759/hr
▲ 3.8% vs 2023Salary Range
$105K – $192K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
5K
workers nationwide
Marine engineers in the United States earn a median salary of $107,659 per year, reflecting the specialized expertise required in this maritime field. The Marine Engineer salary in the United States varies considerably, ranging from $104,760 to $191,880 annually. With approximately 5,250 workers employed in this profession, it represents a niche but stable career sector focused on designing and maintaining vessels and offshore equipment.
Several factors influence Marine Engineer salary in the United States, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Engineers working for large maritime corporations or offshore drilling companies typically earn more than those in smaller firms. Geographic location, particularly proximity to major ports, and industry specialization in areas like naval construction or subsea engineering also significantly impact compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Marine Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $104,760 |
| 25th percentile | $129,750 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $107,659 |
| 75th percentile | $181,380 |
| 90th percentile | $191,880 |
Marine Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Marine Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $166,750 | +54.9% | 400 |
| 2 | California | $128,750 | +19.6% | 200 |
| 3 | Texas | $128,470 | +19.3% | 570 |
| 4 | Maryland | $121,890 | +13.2% | 320 |
| 5 | South Carolina | $119,990 | +11.5% | 80 |
| 6 | Florida | $118,200 | +9.8% | 600 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $109,810 | +2.0% | 30 |
| 8 | New York | $109,040 | +1.3% | — |
| 9 | Washington | $107,100 | -0.5% | 330 |
| 10 | Louisiana | $106,500 | -1.1% | 80 |
Historical Salary Trend — Marine Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,929 |
| 2023 | $103,679 |
| 2024 | $107,659 |
Marine Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do marine engineers make per hour in the United States?
- Marine engineers in the United States earn a median hourly wage of $52/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $107,659, making it a competitive position in the engineering field.
What is the salary range for marine engineers?
- Marine engineer salaries in the United States range from $104,760 to $191,880 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, employer, and specialization within the field.
Which city pays marine engineers the most?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest salaries for marine engineers, with a top paying average of $166,750 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $107,659.
How many marine engineers are currently employed in the US?
- There are approximately 5,250 marine engineers employed throughout the United States. This relatively specialized workforce reflects the niche nature of the marine engineering profession.