Marine Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 490+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$172,330
$82.85/hr
vs National Average
$115,235
+49.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$107K – $195K
490 employed in District of Columbia
Marine Engineer salary in District of Columbia averages $172,330 annually, positioning the region as a premium market for maritime professionals. This figure stands approximately 50% above the national average, reflecting the district's concentration of federal agencies, maritime infrastructure projects, and specialized engineering roles. The area currently employs around 490 marine engineers across various sectors.
Several factors influence Marine Engineer salary in District of Columbia, including employer type, experience level, and specialized certifications. Government positions and defense contractors typically offer higher compensation packages, while proximity to major naval facilities and federal maritime agencies drives demand. Advanced credentials in underwater systems, vessel design, or environmental compliance also significantly impact earning potential in this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Marine Engineer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $107,030 |
| 25th percentile | $118,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $172,330 |
| 75th percentile | $172,550 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $150,920 |
| 2023 | $164,420 |
| 2024 | $166,750 |
| 2025 | $172,330 |
| 2026 (projected) | $178,097 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $150,920 | $97,929 |
| 2023 | $164,420 | $103,679 |
| 2024 | $166,750 | $107,659 |
| 2025 | $172,330 | $115,235 |
| 2026 (projected) | $178,097 | $119,091 |
Marine Engineer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $118,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $172,330 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $172,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $195,190 |
Marine Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Marine Engineer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Marine Engineer ($172,330 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Marine Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer in DC | $195,190 | +13.3% | $93.84/hr |
| Engineering Manager in DC | $185,220 | +7.5% | $89.05/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in DC | $157,600 | -8.5% | $75.77/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DC | $143,000 | -17.0% | $68.75/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in DC | $133,300 | -22.6% | $64.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DC | $103,880 | -39.7% | $49.94/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DC | $103,300 | -40.1% | $49.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in DC | $100,920 | -41.4% | $48.52/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in DC | $175,720 | +2.0% | $84.48/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in DC | $168,000 | -2.5% | $80.77/hr |
| Economist in DC | $167,590 | -2.8% | $80.57/hr |
| Marketing Manager in DC | $177,170 | +2.8% | $85.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do marine engineers make in Washington DC?
- Marine engineers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $172,330 per year, or $83 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 49.5% premium for working in the DC area.
What is the salary range for marine engineers in DC?
- Marine engineer salaries in District of Columbia range from $107,030 at the lower end to $195,190 at the upper end, reflecting the variation based on experience and specialization within the field.
Is marine engineering a well-paid job in Washington DC?
- Yes, marine engineering is a well-compensated profession in District of Columbia, with a median salary of $172,330 that exceeds the national average by 49.5%, making it an attractive career choice in the region.
How many marine engineers are employed in DC?
- There are approximately 490 marine engineers currently employed in District of Columbia, representing the job market size for this specialty in the area.