Structural Engineer vs Marine Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Structural Engineer
Design load-bearing structures including buildings and bridges.
Marine Engineer
Design, build, and maintain vessels and marine systems including propulsion.
Marine Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $1,000/year (1%) higher than a Structural Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Structural Engineer vs Marine Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Structural Engineer | Marine Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $132,928 | $138,450 | Structural $5,522 |
| New York, NY | $115,250 | $112,321 | Structural +$2,929 |
| Seattle, WA | $133,928 | $135,957 | Structural $2,029 |
| Austin, TX | $103,233 | $107,559 | Structural $4,326 |
| Chicago, IL | $99,645 | $102,155 | Structural $2,510 |
| Boston, MA | $125,714 | $124,063 | Structural +$1,651 |
| London, UK | £71,504 | £72,413 | Structural $909 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$125,929 | CA$128,803 | Structural $2,874 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Structural Engineer or Marine Engineer earn more?+
A Marine Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Structural Engineer is $94,000/year, compared to $95,000/year for a Marine Engineer — a difference of $1,000 (1%).
Which has better career growth — Structural Engineer or Marine Engineer?+
Structural Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while Marine Engineer demand is growing at 4% YoY. Structural Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Structural Engineer to Marine Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: AutoCAD.
Which is harder to automate — Structural Engineer or Marine Engineer?+
Marine Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.