Elizabeth vs Trenton: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Elizabeth, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,314▲ | $103,749 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.84▲ | $49.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,329▲ | $73,791 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,314▲ | $86,066 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,002▲ | $131,089 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,487▲ | $144,031 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 1,100▲ |
Verdict
Elizabeth, NJ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Elizabeth and Trenton is $16,565 (15.97%). Elizabeth's median is +16.25% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabeth spans $102,158,Trenton spans $70,240. Elizabeth 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, Elizabeth ($104,439 effective) pays 3.87% more than Trenton ($100,551 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabeth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,314/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,487)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,439)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Elizabeth grew -12.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Elizabeth, NJ
$133,692 (2024) → $117,231 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$86,260 (2019) → $101,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabeth, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Elizabeth or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabeth and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Elizabeth to Trenton as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Elizabeth vs Trenton?
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