Marine Engineers and Naval Architects vs. Industrial Engineers: Who Earns More?
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects out-earn Industrial Engineers by $10K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Marine Engineers and Naval Architects land at $112,230 and Industrial Engineers at $102,440. The education gap is real: marine engineers and naval architect programs typically require bachelor's degree, while industrial engineer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects is District of Columbia ($172,330); for Industrial Engineers it's Alaska ($156,510).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Marine Engineers and Naval Architects median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Marine Engineers and Naval Architects or Industrial Engineers?
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects earn more nationally. The median is $112,230 for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects versus $102,440 for Industrial Engineers, a difference of $10K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Marine Engineers and Naval Architects or Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers has the better 10-year outlook at 11% projected growth, compared to 5.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Marine Engineers and Naval Architects or Industrial Engineers?
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects typically requires bachelor's degree. Industrial Engineers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Marine Engineers and Naval Architects get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects at $172,330/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Marine Engineers and Naval Architects vs. Industrial Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Marine Engineers and Naval Architects earn $172,330 vs. $103,300 for Industrial Engineers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.