Marine Engineers and Naval Architects Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
The median pay for a marine engineers and naval architects in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $128,420/year ($61.74/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $91K at the entry level to $156K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $114,773 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 39.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $128K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About marine engineers and naval architects
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level marine engineers and naval architects (10th percentile) start around $91K. Mid-career wages sit at $128K.Top earners bring in $156K or more - a $65K 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do marine engineers and naval architects make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $128,420 a year - that works out to about $61.74 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $90,900, and experienced marine engineers and naval architects can clear $156,080. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $128K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,537/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 39.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a marine engineers and naval architects salary go in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (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 $114,773 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.