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Average Ship Engineers Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC

Ship Engineers in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area earn an average annual salary of $87,240. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,280, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the specific types of maritime operations prevalent in the region, play a significant role in compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $87,240 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $137,400.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,340 Ship Engineers, the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk area demonstrates a substantial concentration of these professionals. The location quotient of 31.79 indicates a significantly higher presence of Ship Engineers compared to the national average, signaling robust local demand and a specialized job market within this metropolitan region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$87,240

The average Ship Engineers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC earns-20.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$41.9

Weekly

$1,678

Monthly

$7,270

Ship Engineers Salary Distribution in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC

Salary progression for Ship Engineers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching well into the six figures. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available to those who advance within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$45,050$21.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$65,430$31.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$79,540$38.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$109,050$52.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$137,400$66.1

Detailed Ship Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$87,240

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$87,240

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $87,240 for Ship Engineers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Ship Engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,340

Total Jobs

1.77

Per 1K Jobs

31.79

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC has 31.8x the national concentration of Ship Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The exceptionally high location quotient of 31.79 for Ship Engineers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk signifies a highly concentrated and specialized job market. This indicates that the region is a major hub for maritime activities, leading to a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and engineers looking for opportunities within this niche sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Ship Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Ship Engineers make in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?

The median annual salary for a Ship Engineers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $87,240. This typically ranges from $45,050 for entry-level positions to $137,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 20.2% lower than the national median of $109,280.

Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a lucrative place for Ship Engineers?

No, not when compared to the national average.While the local salary of $87,240 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $109,280. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the local salary's purchasing power comparable.

Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a good place to live for Ship Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the local Ship Engineer workforce compare to the national average?

The Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk area has a significantly higher concentration of Ship Engineers, as indicated by a location quotient of 31.79, meaning there are over 31 times more Ship Engineers per worker than the national average.

What is the total number of Ship Engineers in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk area?

There are approximately 1,340 Ship Engineers employed within the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan area.

How many Ship Engineer jobs are there per 1,000 workers locally?

In the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk region, there are 1.77 Ship Engineer jobs for every 1,000 workers, reflecting the specialized nature of the local maritime industry.

Does experience significantly impact a Ship Engineer's salary in this region?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination. Entry-level Ship Engineers will earn less, while senior engineers with specialized skills and a proven track record can command substantially higher compensation packages.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,340 employees in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area with a job density of 1.77 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.