SalaryNode

Average Ship Engineers Salary in Washington

Ship Engineers in Washington State earn an average annual salary of $102,680, which is slightly below the national average of $109,280. This localized pay is influenced by the state's significant maritime industry and the specialized skills required for marine vessel operations. Washington's robust port infrastructure and shipbuilding activities create a unique demand that shapes compensation for these critical roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $102,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $150,570.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 910 Ship Engineers and a Location Quotient of 4.61, Washington demonstrates a strong concentration of these professionals, indicating robust demand. The rate of 0.257 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit specialized, job market where expertise is highly valued.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$102,680

The average Ship Engineers in Washington earns-6.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$49.4

Weekly

$1,975

Monthly

$8,557

Ship Engineers Salary Distribution in Washington

The salary spectrum for Ship Engineers in Washington typically widens significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average, reaching into the upper percentiles. This progression reflects the increasing responsibility and complexity of roles as engineers advance in their careers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$62,060$29.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$77,010$37
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$96,390$46.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$128,350$61.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$150,570$72.4

Detailed Ship Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$102,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$89,209

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the nominal salary of $102,680 appears substantial, it's crucial to consider Washington's Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This indicates that daily expenses are approximately 15.1% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of a Ship Engineer's salary in Washington is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful budgeting.

Job Market Context

910

Total Jobs

0.257

Per 1K Jobs

4.61

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington has 4.6x 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 Location Quotient of 4.61 for Ship Engineers in Washington is exceptionally high, signifying a market where this profession is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market, with a strong presence of employers actively seeking this specific talent pool.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Ship Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Ship Engineers Salary$102,080↓ 1%42 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

Hiring Ship Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Ship Engineers make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Ship Engineers in Washington is $102,680. This typically ranges from $62,060 for entry-level positions to $150,570 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 6.0% lower than the national median of $109,280.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Ship Engineers?

Yes, with caveats.Washington offers a high average salary for Ship Engineers, significantly above the national average in terms of job concentration. However, the elevated cost of living means that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in less expensive regions.

Is Washington a good place to live for Ship Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($102,080) and others.

What is the average salary for a Ship Engineer in Washington?

The average annual salary for a Ship Engineer in Washington State is $102,680.

How does Washington's salary compare to the national average for Ship Engineers?

Ship Engineers in Washington earn $102,680 annually, which is $6,600 less than the national average of $109,280.

Is the job market for Ship Engineers strong in Washington?

Yes, Washington has a strong job market for Ship Engineers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 4.61, meaning the profession is over 4.6 times more concentrated there than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect a Ship Engineer's salary in Washington?

Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning it's 15.1% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living reduces the effective purchasing power of the $102,680 salary.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 910 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.257 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Ship Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington