EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Marine Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$159,547/yr
Typical range: $141,522 – $169,840
P90 · 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 | $80,930 | $6,744 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $98,272 | $8,189 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $109,833 | $9,153 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $124,401 | $10,367 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $159,547 | $13,296 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $187,295 | $15,608 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $194,232 | $16,186 | +140% |
Current Salary
$159,547
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $77/hr
Next Level Target
$187,295
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Marine Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Marine Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $160K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Marine Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $160K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $77/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $142K–$170K/yr.