Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $55.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Kearny, NJ runs $55.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,337 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,203 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, NJ, civil engineers earn a median hourly pay of $55.45, which surpasses the national median of $49.76, reflecting the region's increasing demand for engineering expertise. This competitive compensation allows for a robust lifestyle, particularly favorable for those working part-time or per diem, who may typically work in varied settings such as consulting firm offices, construction site field offices, or government agencies. For part-time civil engineers working three days a week, the hourly rate facilitates a solid income while preserving flexibility for other endeavors. Kearny's civil engineering hourly range spans from $40.88 at the entry level to $85.95 for the most seasoned professionals, illustrating the diverse potential earnings in this career path.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.88 | $327.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.87 | $366.92 |
| Median (P50) | $55.45 | $443.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.11 | $552.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.95 | $687.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $55.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.45/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $115,338 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,541. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,218.04 | $9,612 | $115,338 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,330.82 | $5,767 | $69,203 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $887.22 | $3,845 | $46,135 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Kearny) | $55.45 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Architect (National Avg) | $45.72 |
| Construction Manager (National Avg) | $51.87 |
Civil Engineers in Kearny, NJ earn a median of $115,337 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.45% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $119,273.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.45/hr = $69,203/year (purchasing power: $60,072).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,338/year (purchasing power: $100,120).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Kearny grew 15.8% from $46.65/hr (2019) to $54.03/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.91/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem civil engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny 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.
Working as an Hourly Civil Engineer in Kearny
Exploring the earnings landscape further, a civil engineer working part-time at Kearny for just 24 hours a week would take home approximately $43,453 annually, a stark contrast to full-time peers who can expect far greater financial returns. For those opting for 1099 work, per diem civil engineer pay in Kearny can range from $100 to $180 per hour, with niche specialties, like expert witness consulting, commanding rates between $250 to $500 per hour. Employers vary widely, from engineering giants like AECOM and Jacobs to various public works departments, impacting hourly rates and benefits packages. While many engineers may face trade-offs between the hourly pay and health benefits, negotiating effectively can lead to favorable outcomes. A solid understanding of the market rates and the ability to communicate value can enhance salary discussions significantly, particularly in a competitive market like NJ.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for civil engineers in Kearny in 2026?
How much do part-time civil engineers make in Kearny?
Are civil engineers in Kearny paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time civil engineer make per year in Kearny?
Do civil engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Kearny?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for civil engineers in Kearny. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearny 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