Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Gloucester Township, NJ: $78,929 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Gloucester Township, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,929 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gloucester Township's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,515 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,726) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking entry-level positions in civil engineering, Gloucester Township offers a promising landscape in 2026, with starting salaries typically hovering around $78,929. While this figure may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $119,726 for the area, it’s important to recognize the upward trajectory available to early-career professionals. Graduates can realistically expect their pay to rise as they gain experience, moving from the entry-level P10 figure to approximately $92,802 at P25 within a few years. This growth is compelling in a market that is increasingly favorable for new entrants, driven by ongoing infrastructure investments and a demand for engineering talent in both consulting and construction sectors.
About the Gloucester Township Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gloucester Township
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 Gloucester Township
Entry-level civil engineers in Gloucester Township, NJ typically start between $78,929 and $92,802 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,647 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,726 — 15.69% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in New Jersey of $80,000 represents just 101.36% of the starting civil engineer pay ($78,929/year) in Gloucester Township. 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 Gloucester Township
- 1Research the Gloucester Township market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $78,929 to $92,802, 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 Gloucester Township, 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 Gloucester Township for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Gloucester Township'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 Gloucester Township is $106,647 ( 135.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,929, experienced hygienists can earn up to $185,576.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,413
2025 BLS Actual
$76,906
2026 Current Est.
$78,929
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Gloucester Township (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,413 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,292 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,239 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,792 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,248 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,906 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,929 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,004 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Gloucester Township, NJ grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,413 in 2019 to $76,906 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,004. New graduates entering the Gloucester Township job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gloucester Township 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 Gloucester Township
Employers such as large consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs actively recruit fresh graduates looking to start their careers as civil engineers in Gloucester Township. These firms often provide structured training programs, including pathways to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which is a crucial credential that enhances job prospects and salary potential. Additionally, state departments of transportation and federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer robust career tracks, while construction companies such as Bechtel engage entry-level engineers in field assignments. Graduates holding degrees from ABET-accredited institutions and who pass the FE exam are well-positioned for better starting civil engineer pay in NJ, as credentials like ENV SP or LEED AP can also help them stand out. Given the projected 2.63% growth rate in civil engineering roles, new professionals can realistically aim for salary increases within the first few years, especially if they strategically pursue relevant credentials and align themselves with the key players in the market.
More salary data for Gloucester Township, 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 Gloucester Township. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gloucester Township 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