Marine Engineers and Naval Architects Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
The median pay for a marine engineers and naval architects in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $134,430/year ($64.63/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $83K at the entry level to $163K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 100.96), that's roughly $133,152 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,787/month, or 21.9% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $134K get you in Charleston-North Charleston?
About marine engineers and naval architects
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Entry-level marine engineers and naval architects (10th percentile) start around $83K. Mid-career wages sit at $134K.Top earners bring in $163K or more - a $81K spread from bottom to top.
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $167K | +58% | 400 |
| California | $129K | +22% | 200 |
| Texas | $128K | +22% | 570 |
| Maryland | $122K | +15% | 320 |
| South Carolina | $120K | +14% | 80 |
| Florida | $118K | +12% | 600 |
| New Jersey | $110K | +4% | 30 |
| New York | $109K | +3% | N/A |
| Washington | $107K | +1% | 330 |
| Louisiana | $107K | +1% | 80 |
| Hawaii | $102K | -3% | 110 |
| Virginia | $101K | -5% | 1,880 |
| Maine | $99K | -6% | 310 |
| Mississippi | $99K | -6% | 90 |
| Tennessee | $95K | -10% | 50 |
Track marine engineers and naval architects salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Charleston-North Charleston numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do marine engineers and naval architects make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median is $134,430 a year - that works out to about $64.63 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $82,720, and experienced marine engineers and naval architects can clear $163,230. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $134K enough to live in Charleston-North Charleston?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,972/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,787/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 22.4% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a marine engineers and naval architects salary go in Charleston-North Charleston?
Charleston-North Charleston has a Regional Price Parity of 100.96 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median marine engineers and naval architects salary is worth about $133,152 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do marine engineers and naval architects get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.