Finance

I’m a marine engineer in Central Saanichton making $110K—I feel crushed by taxes

Real people. Real finances. From six-figure earners to side hustlers, BCBusiness's Money Makers is pulling back the curtain on how British Columbians really make, spend and think about money—no filters, just facts.

By The Editors /

Life on the water doesn’t always mean smooth sailing for those working in B.C.’s marine sector. At 37, a Central Saanichton marine engineer earns $110,000 a year ($90,00 in annual salary and a whopping $20,000 in side income), but most of his monthly income is swallowed by debt. He splurges on healthy food despite costlier food options in his area and resents what he sees as a punishing tax rate: “I see how much the government takes from my salary and how hard I work only for them to take such a large amount, and it doesn’t feel like we get back what they take from us.”

Perks like a mental health allowance, he says, add real meaning to his compensation—even as retirement planning is slow going. “I have to try and save where I can due to the food options I want being more expensive here,” he notes. While financial security still feels elusive, he defines wealth as something beyond numbers: the freedom to travel, relax and not stress over every bill.

  • Age: 37 
  • Location: Central Saanichton 
  • Industry: Marine services 
  • Role: Marine Engineer 
  • Pronouns: He/him 
  • Total annual income: $110,000 
  • Education/training: Marine college 

Income 

  • Annual salary: $90,000 
  • Side Income: $20,000 
  • Benefits: Extended healthcare/vision care, life insurance, dental coverage, commuting subsidies, mental health allowance

Do you feel fairly paid for what you do? 

No. 

Name one item you splurge on, regardless of your budget. 

Healthy food. 

What’s something you refuse to spend money on? 

Insurance. 

Do you use a financial advisor, app, spreadsheet—or vibes? 

Spreadsheet. 

How has living in your city/neighbourhood impacted your financial choices? 

I have to try and save where I can due to the food options I want being more expensive here. 

Do you ever find yourself concerned about money or financial security? 

Yes, especially when I see how much the government takes from my salary and how hard I work only for them to take such a large amount and it doesn’t feel like we get back what they take from us. 

How, if at all, are you approaching retirement planning right now? 

Slowly trying to build up for retirement. 

How do you define financial success? What does being “rich” mean to you?  

Being able to feel like you can go on a trip when you want or not have to look at every bill so closely to avoid missing a payment. Being rich is more about a state of mind, than just financial, but having enough to be secure is the most important thing. 

What’s one lesson you’ve learned about work and finances that you think others in your industry could benefit from? 

Start to save early and have a plan and goals to reach. 

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