Civil Engineer Salary

Newark vs Westfield: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare civil engineer salaries between Newark, NJ and Westfield, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newark, NJ
$110,316
$53.04/hr
Westfield, NJ
$116,003
$55.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJWestfield, NJ
Median Salary$110,316$116,003
Hourly Rate$53.04$55.77
Entry Level (P10)$67,527$76,681
25th Percentile$88,243$96,769
75th Percentile$141,205$145,328
Top Earner (P90)$170,990$178,682
Total Employed617
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($110,316) and Westfield ($116,003) civil engineer salaries.NewarkWestfieldMedian Salary$110,316$116,003Entry Level (P10)$67,527$76,681Top Earner (P90)$170,990$178,682US Median $103,492

Verdict

Westfield, NJ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.

The salary gap between Newark and Westfield is $5,687 (5.16%). Westfield's median is +12.09% compared to the US national median of $103,492.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $103,463,Westfield spans $102,001. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$67,527
P25$88,243
Median$110,316
P75$141,205
P90 (Top)$170,990
Westfield
P10 (Entry)$76,681
P25$96,769
Median$116,003
P75$145,328
P90 (Top)$178,682

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Westfield ($100,697 effective) pays 5.16% more than Newark ($95,760 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $110,316
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $95,760
Westfield
Nominal: $116,003
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $100,697

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newark if…

  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Westfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($116,003/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($178,682)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,697)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Newark grew -22.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.3% growth in Westfield over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+-22.8%

$139,310 (2024) → $107,489 (2025)

Westfield, NJ

+-12.3%

$128,901 (2024) → $113,030 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays civil engineers more: Newark or Westfield?

Westfield has a higher median civil engineer salary at $116,003/year, compared to Newark at $110,316/year — a difference of $5,687 (5.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Westfield?

Newark civil engineers earn $53.04/hr while Westfield hygienists earn $55.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newark to Westfield as a civil engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Westfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $95,760, Westfield = $100,697), job availability (61 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Newark vs Westfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) civil engineers earn $67,527 in Newark and $76,681 in Westfield. The Westfield area offers higher starting salaries.
JC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, Ph.D.Data verified by Carlos Ramirez, M.S.

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