Marine Engineer Salary in California
Based on 250+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$110,700
$53.221/hr
vs National Average
$115,235
-3.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $173K
250 employed in California
Marine Engineer salary in California averages $110,700 per year, which is approximately 4% below the national average. Currently, around 250 marine engineers are employed throughout the state. While California's coastal industries and maritime activities provide substantial opportunities, the salaries reflect regional cost-of-living factors and competitive market conditions compared to other engineering sectors.
Several factors influence Marine Engineer salary in California, including experience level, employer type, and specific industry specialization. Entry-level positions start near $66,090 annually, while highly experienced engineers in specialized maritime sectors can earn up to $172,760. Larger shipping companies, naval contractors, and offshore operations typically offer higher compensation packages than smaller firms, and certifications or advanced degrees often correlate with increased earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Marine Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,090 |
| 25th percentile | $89,700 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $110,700 |
| 75th percentile | $141,790 |
| 90th percentile | $172,760 |
Historical Salary Trend — Marine Engineer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,030 |
| 2023 | $123,920 |
| 2024 | $128,750 |
| 2025 | $110,700 |
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,030 | $97,929 |
| 2023 | $123,920 | $103,679 |
| 2024 | $128,750 | $107,659 |
| 2025 | $110,700 | $115,235 |
Marine Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
Marine Engineer Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do marine engineers make in California?
- Marine engineers in California earn a median salary of $110,700 per year, or approximately $53 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 3.9%, but still represents a solid income in the engineering field.
What is the salary range for marine engineers in California?
- Marine engineer salaries in California range from $66,090 at the lower end to $172,760 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the marine engineering sector.
Is marine engineering a well-paid job in California?
- Yes, marine engineering is well-compensated in California with a median salary of $110,700 annually. While this is 3.9% below the national average, it remains a lucrative career choice for those in the state's maritime industry.
How many marine engineers work in California?
- There are approximately 250 marine engineers currently employed in California. This represents a niche but established workforce within the state's engineering and maritime sectors.