Marine Engineer Salary in California
Based on 250+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$110,700
$53.22/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 |
Top-Paying Industries for Marine Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Marine Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Marine Engineers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $175,290 | 60 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $128,800 | 870 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,800 | 1K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $118,630 | 2K |
| Wholesale Trade | $110,660 | 60 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Marine Engineer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,030 |
| 2023 | $123,920 |
| 2024 | $128,750 |
| 2025 | $110,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $110,700 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| 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 |
| 2026 (projected) | $110,700 | $115,235 |
Marine Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $89,700 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $110,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $141,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $172,760 |
Marine Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Marine Engineer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Marine Engineer ($110,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Marine Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CA | $210,280 | +90.0% | $101.10/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in CA | $172,400 | +55.7% | $82.88/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CA | $157,620 | +42.4% | $75.78/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CA | $144,040 | +30.1% | $69.25/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CA | $143,590 | +29.7% | $69.03/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CA | $130,900 | +18.2% | $62.93/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CA | $130,410 | +17.8% | $62.70/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CA | $128,470 | +16.1% | $61.76/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CA | $128,310 | +15.9% | $61.69/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CA | $124,600 | +12.6% | $59.90/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | +10.7% | $58.89/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CA | $109,610 | -1.0% | $52.70/hr |
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.