Ship Engineers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $81,820 -19.2% vs national
Median hourly $39.34
10th percentile $51,580
90th percentile $152,900
Employed locally 60
National median $101,320

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Ship Engineers
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $51,580
    25th
    $60,920
    50th (median)
    $81,820
    75th
    $127,520
    90th
    $152,900

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Ship Engineers salary vs area income 92% Median Ship Engineers salary is 8% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Ship Engineers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Maryland $170,630
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $147,760
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $143,600
    Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area $139,280
    Massachusetts $136,260
    California $134,660

    Nearby metros — Ship Engineers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Jacksonville, FL $114,750
    Illinois $111,800
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $104,500
    Mobile, AL $71,520
    Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA $67,060

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$40,030
    Stockers and Order Fillers$37,940
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$62,430
    Light Truck Drivers$47,270
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$46,760
    Packers and Packagers, Hand$36,680

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Ship Engineers make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Ship Engineers in Chicago, IL-IN is $39.34, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $76.79 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Ship Engineers salaries?

    The median Ship Engineers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 19.2% below the national median of $101,320. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Ship Engineers in Chicago?

    Entry-level Ship Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $51,580 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $60,920.