Bridgewater vs Newark: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bridgewater, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgewater, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,409▲ | $110,316 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.45▲ | $53.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,965▲ | $67,527 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,528▲ | $88,243 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,247▲ | $141,205 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,463▲ | $170,990 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 61▲ |
Verdict
Bridgewater, NJ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.
The salary gap between Bridgewater and Newark is $7,093 (6.43%). Bridgewater's median is +13.45% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgewater spans $99,498,Newark spans $103,463. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgewater ($101,918 effective) pays 6.43% more than Newark ($95,760 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bridgewater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,409/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,463)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,918)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bridgewater grew -12.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -22.8% growth in Newark over the same period.
Bridgewater, NJ
$130,464 (2024) → $114,400 (2025)
Newark, NJ
$139,310 (2024) → $107,489 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgewater, NJ
Newark, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
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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