Atlantic City vs Middletown: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Middletown, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Middletown, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,973 | $117,375▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.03 | $56.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,634 | $83,508▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,565 | $95,217▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,899 | $148,087▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,043 | $181,931▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Middletown, NJ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Middletown is $15,402 (15.10%). Middletown's median is +13.41% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $101,409,Middletown spans $98,423. Atlantic City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlantic City ($103,152 effective) pays 1.24% more than Middletown ($101,888 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,152)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,375/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,931)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Atlantic City grew 25.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.3% growth in Middletown over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$79,100 (2019) → $99,360 (2025)
Middletown, NJ
$130,426 (2024) → $114,367 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Middletown, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Atlantic City or Middletown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Middletown?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Middletown as a civil engineer?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov