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Marine Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL

How much does a marine engineer make in Chicago? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Chicago's cost of living.

Median Salary
$144,577
per year in Chicago
Entry Level
$87,349
Starting salary
Senior Level
$198,795
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how marine engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Chicago.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$87,349$144,577$198,795
Monthly$7,279$12,048$16,566
Biweekly$3,360$5,561$7,646
Weekly$1,680$2,780$3,823
Hourly$42$70$96

Chicago vs National Average

How Chicago's marine engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Chicago Salary
$144,577
COL Index: 112
National Average
$122,940
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$21,637
Higher in Chicago

Cost of Living in Chicago

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$58,984
per year
Population
2,693,976
residents
Rent % of Income
34.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chicago have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Marine Engineer

Overview

Design and maintain marine vessels and offshore structures.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marine or Naval Engineering

Key Skills

Marine SystemsNaval ArchitectureHydrodynamicsCAD

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Marine Engineer Salary

See Marine Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$109,040
-25%
Los Angeles, CA
$96,220
-33%
Houston, TX
$128,470
-11%
Phoenix, AZ
$122,633
-15%
Philadelphia, PA
$131,976
-9%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Marine Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a marine engineer in Chicago, IL is $144,577 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chicago's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level marine engineer professionals in Chicago can expect to earn around $87,349 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level marine engineers earning approximately $198,795 per year. This represents a 128% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chicago's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chicago are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $122,940, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a marine engineer's salary in Chicago typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 14.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Marine Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Chicago, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.