How much does a chief engineer make in the United States?
This is the median gross salary: half earn more and half earn less. That is $9,128 a month.
- Approx. take-home per month
- $7,134
- Compared with the median pay in the United States
- 2.0 times
- Data from
- 2025
Where the United States ranks among 142 countries
Each line is a country, on a log scale from $100 to $200,000 a year.
In other countries
Median gross salary a year, in dollars.
| 1. Switzerland estimate | $111,900 |
| 2. United States | $109,500 |
| 3. Germany | $91,870 |
| 142. Malawi estimate | $486 |
Similar jobs
Technicians and associate professionals
- Ship pilot$92,460
- Airline pilot$197,800
- Air traffic controller$148,100
- Air traffic safety technician$78,190
- Wind technician$60,890
- Technical aide$70,790
- Electrical technician$77,140
- Electronics engineering technician$78,190
By state
Median gross salary a year.
| New York | $133,600 |
| Hawaii | $131,600 |
| Florida | $130,500 |
| Texas | $127,800 |
| Massachusetts | $122,700 |
| Indiana | $122,200 |
| Kentucky | $120,600 |
| Rhode Island | $119,300 |
| Connecticut | $119,000 |
| New Jersey | $118,300 |
See all 24 states
| Illinois | $115,300 |
| Washington | $107,900 |
| Louisiana | $103,400 |
| Mississippi | $98,380 |
| South Carolina | $97,890 |
| California | $97,660 |
| Alabama | $96,030 |
| Oregon | $88,800 |
| Alaska | $88,190 |
| Virginia | $82,370 |
| Pennsylvania | $80,210 |
| Michigan | $79,170 |
| Maine | $77,160 |
| North Carolina | $65,010 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chief engineer make a month in the United States?
The median gross salary is $9,128 a month, $109,500 a year.
How much does a chief engineer make starting out and with experience?
The lowest-paid 10%, usually people starting out, make around $57,870 a year; the top 10%, with experience or senior roles, make more than $165,500.
Which country pays a chief engineer the most?
United States, with a median of $109,500 a year before tax, according to our data.
Which state pays a chief engineer the most?
New York, with a median of $133,600 a year.
Does a chief engineer make more in the United States or in Germany?
In the United States: $109,500 a year against $91,870 in Germany, 1.2 times more.
Who makes more, a chief engineer or a ship pilot?
A chief engineer: $109,500 a year against $92,460 for a ship pilot, 1.2 times more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS survey, 2025. How we calculate