Marine Engineers and Naval Architect Salary in 2026
How Much Do Marine Engineers and Naval Architects Make?
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects earn a median annual salary of $105,670 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $79,700 at the 10th percentile to $167,660 at the 90th percentile — a range of $87,960. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $166,750.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,700 |
| 25th percentile | $88,480 |
| Median (50th) | $105,670 |
| 75th percentile | $133,780 |
| 90th percentile | $167,660 |
Marine Engineers and Naval Architect Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $166,750 |
| California | $128,750 |
| Texas | $128,470 |
| Maryland | $121,890 |
| South Carolina | $119,990 |
| Florida | $118,200 |
| New Jersey | $109,810 |
| New York | $109,040 |
| Washington | $107,100 |
| Louisiana | $106,500 |
| Hawaii | $102,190 |
| Virginia | $100,630 |
| Maine | $99,330 |
| Mississippi | $99,130 |
| Tennessee | $95,260 |
| Massachusetts | $93,490 |
| Michigan | $82,070 |
| Wisconsin | $78,950 |
| Georgia | $77,970 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Marine Engineers and Naval Architect Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$79,700 – $88,480 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$105,670 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$133,780 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $167,660+ |
How to Earn More as a Marine Engineers and Naval Architect
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Marine Engineers and Naval Architects in District of Columbia earn $166,750 — $61,080 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($133,780) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Marine Engineers and Naval Architect Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architectthis career | $105,670 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $167,740 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,830 |
| Civil Engineer | $99,590 |
| Electrical Engineer | $111,910 |
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SOC: 17-2121.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.