Trenton vs Vineland: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Trenton, NJ and Vineland, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Trenton, NJ | Vineland, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,749▲ | $103,266 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.88▲ | $49.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,791 | $78,379▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,066 | $86,866▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,089 | $133,245▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,031▲ | $139,033 |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Vineland.
The salary gap between Trenton and Vineland is $483 (0.47%). Trenton's median is +0.25% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $70,240,Vineland spans $60,654. Trenton 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, Vineland ($107,605 effective) pays 7.01% 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 Trenton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,749/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,031)
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Vineland if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,605)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Trenton grew 17.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.5% growth in Vineland over the same period.
Trenton, NJ
$86,260 (2019) → $101,090 (2025)
Vineland, NJ
$94,460 (2019) → $100,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Trenton, NJ
Vineland, 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