Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Camden, NJ: $67,935 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Camden, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,935 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camden's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,971 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,588) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Camden, New Jersey, the starting civil engineer salary Camden offers is projected at approximately $67,935 in 2026. This figure, while below the city's median of $99,588, provides a realistic benchmark for recent grads embarking on their careers. Early in their careers, new engineers can expect to see gradual salary growth, moving toward the 25th percentile of $78,598 and potentially reaching the median level over the first three to five years. With the ongoing demand for engineers rooted in recent infrastructure investments, Camden presents a promising job market for recent civil engineering graduates.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camden
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camden
Entry-level civil engineers in Camden, NJ typically start between $67,935 and $78,598 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $86,427 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,588 — 3.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in New Jersey of $80,000 represents just 117.76% of the starting civil engineer pay ($67,935/year) in Camden. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate civil engineering programs at public and private universities. Licensure (FE after graduation, PE after 4 years experience) adds exam fees. Many engineers pursue master's degrees (MS or MEng).
CE, PE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Camden
- 1Research the Camden market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $67,935 to $78,598, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the civil engineering field — employers in NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camden, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Camden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Camden's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Civil Engineer Compensation Range
The civil engineer wage spread in Camden is $86,427 ( 127.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,935, experienced hygienists can earn up to $154,362.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,720
2025 BLS Actual
$66,194
2026 Current Est.
$67,935
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,476 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,735 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,325 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,437 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,935 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,722 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Camden, NJ grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,720 in 2019 to $66,194 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,722. New graduates entering the Camden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camden metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your civil engineering Career in Camden
New graduates looking for positions in Camden will find opportunities with a variety of employers, from large consulting firms such as AECOM and Jacobs to government agencies like state DOTs and the US Army Corps of Engineers. These established companies often implement structured training programs, essential for new engineers seeking Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Additionally, applicants with ABET-accredited degrees and those who take the FE exam can expect to be more competitive. Credentialing enhances both job prospects and starting pay in NJ, as does the potential to specialize with LEED AP or ENV SP certifications. Graduate engineers can anticipate a 2.63% annual growth rate in their overall salary trajectory as they gain experience, positioning them well within a dynamic job market fueled by infrastructure spending initiatives.
More salary data for Camden, 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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new civil engineering graduates. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Camden. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camden is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov