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Marine Engineer Salary in Durham, NC

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

Median Salary
$121,170
per year in Durham
Entry Level
$73,206
Starting salary
Senior Level
$166,609
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 Durham.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$73,206$121,170$166,609
Monthly$6,101$10,098$13,884
Biweekly$2,816$4,660$6,408
Weekly$1,408$2,330$3,204
Hourly$35$58$80

Durham vs National Average

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

Durham Salary
$121,170
COL Index: 112
National Average
$122,940
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$1,770
Lower in Durham

Cost of Living in Durham

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$62,345
per year
Population
278,884
residents
Rent % of Income
31.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Durham 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
-10%
Los Angeles, CA
$96,220
-21%
Chicago, IL
$144,577
+19%
Houston, TX
$128,470
+6%
Phoenix, AZ
$122,633
+1%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a marine engineer salary in Durham.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Marine Engineer Salary in Durham, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a marine engineer in Durham, NC is $121,170 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Durham's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level marine engineer professionals in Durham can expect to earn around $73,206 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level marine engineers earning approximately $166,609 per year. This represents a 128% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Durham's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Durham 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 Durham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 16.3% 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 Durham, 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.