Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Cherry Hill, NJ: $79,500 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Cherry Hill, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,500 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cherry Hill's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,010 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,826) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an entry-level civil engineer in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, can expect a starting salary of approximately $79,500, which is significantly lower than the overall city median of $115,826. This disparity underlines the common trajectory new graduates might experience, beginning their careers on the lower end of the pay scale before progressing. Many can anticipate reaching around $92,137 within their first few years, thanks to average growth rates of 2.63%. Cherry Hill presents a viable market for new engineering graduates, especially given the ongoing demand for infrastructure improvements fueled by legislative initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which highlights the need for professionals to engage with local projects.
About the Cherry Hill Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cherry Hill
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 Cherry Hill
Entry-level civil engineers in Cherry Hill, NJ typically start between $79,500 and $92,137 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,031 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,826 — 11.92% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in New Jersey of $80,000 represents just 100.63% of the starting civil engineer pay ($79,500/year) in Cherry Hill. 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 Cherry Hill
- 1Research the Cherry Hill market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $79,500 to $92,137, 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 Cherry Hill, 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 Cherry Hill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Cherry Hill'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 Cherry Hill is $100,031 ( 125.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,500, experienced hygienists can earn up to $179,531.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,865
2025 BLS Actual
$77,463
2026 Current Est.
$79,500
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Cherry Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,865 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,734 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,765 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,435 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,463 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,500 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,591 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Cherry Hill, NJ grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,865 in 2019 to $77,463 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,591. New graduates entering the Cherry Hill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cherry Hill 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 Cherry Hill
For those seeking roles in Cherry Hill, several key employers actively recruit new engineering talent. Large consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP often lead in hiring early-career engineers by offering structured training programs and pathways toward professional licensure. Additionally, governmental agencies like the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provide stable employment opportunities, complete with pension plans. Entry-level candidates are advised to pursue ABET-accredited degrees, obtain their Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation by passing the FE exam, and consider further credentials like the PE license, which can enhance their prospects and starting civil engineer salary in Cherry Hill. With infrastructure spending projected to remain high, particularly in the early years of one's career, achieving significant salary growth within the first three years is realistic for those who navigate their career paths strategically.
More salary data for Cherry Hill, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for civil engineers in Cherry Hill in 2026?
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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 Cherry Hill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cherry Hill 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