Montclair vs Newark: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Montclair, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Montclair, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,047▲ | $110,316 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.75▲ | $53.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,475▲ | $67,527 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,393▲ | $88,243 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,812▲ | $141,205 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,702▲ | $170,990 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 61▲ |
Verdict
Montclair, NJ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.
The salary gap between Montclair and Newark is $7,731 (7.01%). Montclair's median is +14.06% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Montclair spans $100,227,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, Montclair ($102,471 effective) pays 7.01% 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 Montclair if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,047/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,702)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,471)
- ✓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 Montclair grew -12.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -22.8% growth in Newark over the same period.
Montclair, NJ
$131,173 (2024) → $115,022 (2025)
Newark, NJ
$139,310 (2024) → $107,489 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Montclair, 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