Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Summit, NJ: $83,519 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Summit, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,519 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Summit's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,499 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,106) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates embarking on their careers as civil engineers in Summit, New Jersey, can expect a starting salary of approximately $83,519. This initial pay reflects the entry-level position within a city where the median annual salary reaches $111,106, creating a noticeable gap that new engineers must navigate as they advance in their careers. Over the first few years, there is potential for growth, with salaries expected to rise towards the 25th percentile at $92,546 as experience accumulates. Given the robust infrastructure spending driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Summit presents a favorable job market for aspiring civil engineers, making this a promising location for new professionals ready to enter the field.
About the Summit Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Summit
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 Summit
Entry-level civil engineers in Summit, NJ typically start between $83,519 and $92,546 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $86,522 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,106 — 7.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in New Jersey of $80,000 represents just 95.79% of the starting civil engineer pay ($83,519/year) in Summit. 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 Summit
- 1Research the Summit market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $83,519 to $92,546, 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 Summit, 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 Summit for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Summit'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 Summit is $86,522 ( 103.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,519, experienced hygienists can earn up to $170,041.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,043
2025 BLS Actual
$81,379
2026 Current Est.
$83,519
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,043 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,973 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,208 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,793 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,392 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,862 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,379 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,519 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,716 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Summit, NJ grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,043 in 2019 to $81,379 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,716. New graduates entering the Summit job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Summit 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 Summit
Employers in Summit actively seek entry-level civil engineers from a variety of sectors. Major consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP have established comprehensive training programs for new hires, offering structured pathways for those holding an ABET-accredited degree and having passed the FE exam. State and federal agencies, such as the New Jersey Department of Transportation or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provide career tracks that often include pensions and job stability, while construction giants like Bechtel and Fluor recruit field engineers who are ready to tackle real-world challenges. Advancing your credentials in New Jersey can significantly enhance your starting pay; aiming for the PE license is crucial as it paves the way towards senior and managerial roles. Realistically, entry-level salaries may see growth in the range of 5-10% annually during your first three years as you gain experience, effectively aligning with the state's commitment to infrastructure improvements and increasing demand across the civil engineering sector.
More salary data for Summit, 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 Summit. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Summit 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