National Salary Overview
VS
Ship Engineers earns $23,520 more (28.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$105,134
$81,614
Average (Mean) Salary
$106,570
$88,538
Total Employment
7,760
22,870
States with Higher Pay
18
4
Salary by State: Ship Engineers vs Transportation Inspectors
Showing 22 states where both occupations have BLS data. Ship Engineers pays more in 18 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 4.
| State | Ship Engineers | Transportation Inspectors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $96,030 | $108,140 | $-12,110 | ||
| Alaska | $88,190 | $123,120 | $-34,930 | ||
| California | $97,660 | $83,000 | +$14,660 | ||
| Connecticut | $119,010 | $91,520 | +$27,490 | ||
| Florida | $130,480 | $101,470 | +$29,010 | ||
| Hawaii | $131,640 | $108,270 | +$23,370 | ||
| Illinois | $115,310 | $47,990 | +$67,320 | ||
| Indiana | $122,190 | $80,330 | +$41,860 | ||
| Kentucky | $120,550 | $83,970 | +$36,580 | ||
| Louisiana | $103,430 | $77,460 | +$25,970 | ||
| Maine | $77,160 | $63,750 | +$13,410 | ||
| Massachusetts | $122,720 | $79,650 | +$43,070 | ||
| Michigan | $79,170 | $35,890 | +$43,280 | ||
| New Jersey | $118,310 | $49,250 | +$69,060 | ||
| New York | $133,640 | $93,420 | +$40,220 | ||
| North Carolina | $65,010 | $84,470 | $-19,460 | ||
| Oregon | $88,800 | $78,110 | +$10,690 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $80,210 | $81,550 | $-1,340 | ||
| South Carolina | $97,890 | $80,490 | +$17,400 | ||
| Texas | $127,810 | $101,440 | +$26,370 | ||
| Virginia | $82,370 | $68,610 | +$13,760 | ||
| Washington | $107,940 | $104,250 | +$3,690 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Ship Engineers vs Transportation Inspectors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Ship Engineers or Transportation Inspectors?
On average across all states, a Ship Engineers earns more than a Transportation Inspectors. The national median salary difference is $23,520 (28.8%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Ship Engineers earn more than a Transportation Inspectors?
A Ship Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Transportation Inspectors in 18 out of 22 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 4 states.
What is the median salary for a Ship Engineers vs Transportation Inspectors?
The national median salary for a Ship Engineers is $105,134 per year, compared to $81,614 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Ship Engineers or Transportation Inspectors?
There are more people employed as Transportation Inspectors. BLS reports approximately 7,760 Ship Engineers positions and 22,870 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Ship Engineers or Transportation Inspectors?
Both Ship Engineers and Transportation Inspectors are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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