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Marine Engineer Salary in Des Moines, IA

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

Median Salary
$97,786
per year in Des Moines
Entry Level
$59,079
Starting salary
Senior Level
$134,457
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
97
3% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$59,079$97,786$134,457
Monthly$4,923$8,149$11,205
Biweekly$2,272$3,761$5,171
Weekly$1,136$1,881$2,586
Hourly$28$47$65

Des Moines vs National Average

How Des Moines's marine engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Des Moines Salary
$97,786
COL Index: 97
National Average
$122,940
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$25,154
Lower in Des Moines

Cost of Living in Des Moines

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$55,234
per year
Population
210,330
residents
Rent % of Income
28.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 97 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Des Moines 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
+12%
Los Angeles, CA
$96,220
-2%
Chicago, IL
$144,577
+48%
Houston, TX
$128,470
+31%
Phoenix, AZ
$122,633
+25%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Marine Engineer Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a marine engineer in Des Moines, IA is $97,786 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 97. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Des Moines's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level marine engineer professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $59,079 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level marine engineers earning approximately $134,457 per year. This represents a 128% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Des Moines's cost of living index of 97 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Des Moines 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 Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 16.0% 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 Des Moines, 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.