Marine Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 3K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$115,235
$55.40/hr
▲ 7.0% vs 2024Salary Range
$81K – $161K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
3K
workers nationwide
The median Marine Engineer salary in the United States is $115,235 annually, equating to approximately $55 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with a typical range falling between $81,057 and $160,943 per year for professionals in this specialized field.
Several factors influence a Marine Engineer salary in the United States. Experience level, geographic location, and the specific industry or company are significant drivers. For instance, the District of Columbia offers the highest reported salaries, reaching an impressive $172,330, while factors like advanced certifications can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Marine Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,057 |
| 25th percentile | $92,573 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $115,235 |
| 75th percentile | $139,079 |
| 90th percentile | $160,943 |
Marine Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Marine Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $172,330 | +49.5% | 490 |
| 2 | Texas | $152,780 | +32.6% | 330 |
| 3 | South Carolina | $136,990 | +18.9% | 40 |
| 4 | Florida | $130,640 | +13.4% | 370 |
| 5 | Maryland | $130,150 | +12.9% | 300 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $114,640 | -0.5% | — |
| 7 | New York | $112,230 | -2.6% | 250 |
| 8 | California | $110,700 | -3.9% | 250 |
| 9 | Washington | $109,550 | -4.9% | 370 |
| 10 | Hawaii | $108,200 | -6.1% | 120 |
Marine Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Marine Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Management of Companies and Enterprises pays the most ($175,290 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $175,290 | +52.1% | 60 |
| 2 | Transportation and Warehousing | $128,800 | +11.8% | 870 |
| 3 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,800 | +8.3% | 1K |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $118,630 | +2.9% | 2K |
| 5 | Wholesale Trade | $110,660 | -4.0% | 60 |
| 6 | Manufacturing | $104,800 | -9.1% | 4K |
| 7 | Construction | $83,130 | -27.9% | — |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Marine Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,929 |
| 2023 | $103,679 |
| 2024 | $107,659 |
| 2025 | $115,235 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,149 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Marine Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $92,573 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $115,235 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $139,079 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $160,943 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Marine Engineer in the US?
- The median salary for a Marine Engineer in the United States is $115,235 per year. This means half of all Marine Engineers earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for this profession?
- The salary range for Marine Engineers in the US generally falls between $81,057 and $160,943 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
Which US state or district pays Marine Engineers the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top-paying location for Marine Engineers, with an average salary of $172,330. This is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Marine Engineers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 2,970 Marine Engineers employed across the United States. This indicates a relatively specialized but stable career field.