EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Marine Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$117,715/yr
Typical range: $101,227 – $151,679
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Marine Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Marine Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $86,738 | $7,228 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $105,324 | $8,777 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $117,715 | $9,810 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $133,328 | $11,111 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $170,997 | $14,250 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $200,736 | $16,728 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $208,170 | $17,348 | +140% |
Current Salary
$117,715
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $57/hr
Next Level Target
$133,328
Senior · 6
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Marine Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Marine Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $118K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Marine Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $118K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $57/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Marine Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Marine Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $152K–$182K/yr.