Montclair vs Trenton: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Montclair, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Montclair, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,047▲ | $103,749 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.75▲ | $49.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,475▲ | $73,791 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,393▲ | $86,066 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,812▲ | $131,089 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,702▲ | $144,031 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 1,100▲ |
Verdict
Montclair, NJ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Montclair and Trenton is $14,298 (13.78%). 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,Trenton spans $70,240. Montclair 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, Montclair ($102,471 effective) pays 1.91% 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 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 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 Montclair grew -12.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Montclair, NJ
$131,173 (2024) → $115,022 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$86,260 (2019) → $101,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Montclair, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Montclair or Trenton?
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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