Trenton vs Woodbridge: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Trenton, NJ and Woodbridge, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Trenton, NJ | Woodbridge, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,749 | $120,835▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.88 | $58.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,791 | $76,521▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,066 | $98,355▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,089 | $154,669▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,031 | $187,294▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 25 |
Verdict
Woodbridge, NJ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Trenton and Woodbridge is $17,086 (16.47%). Woodbridge's median is +16.76% 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,Woodbridge spans $110,773. Woodbridge 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, Woodbridge ($104,891 effective) pays 4.32% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Woodbridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,835/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,294)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,891)
- ✓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 -12.3% growth in Woodbridge over the same period.
Trenton, NJ
$86,260 (2019) → $101,090 (2025)
Woodbridge, NJ
$134,270 (2024) → $117,738 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Trenton, NJ
Woodbridge, 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