Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Manchester, NJ: $55.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Manchester, NJ runs $55.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,855 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,908 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Civil engineers in Manchester, NJ, can expect a competitive median hourly pay of $55.21, which is considerably higher than the national median of $49.76. This robust hourly rate reflects the importance of civil engineering in an area witnessing sustained infrastructure development, driven in part by initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. For part-time civil engineers working three days a week, this translates to significant earning potential, particularly within various working environments, including consulting firms where CAD, Revit, and AutoCAD are frequently utilized. Entry-level positions typically start around $40.15 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates as high as $85.59 per hour in this evolving market, indicating a wide range that caters to different skill levels and specializations.
About the Manchester 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) | $40.15 | $321.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.39 | $363.15 |
| Median (P50) | $55.21 | $441.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.54 | $548.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.59 | $684.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $55.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.21/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, NJ can expect to earn approximately $114,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,258. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,208.60 | $9,571 | $114,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,325.16 | $5,742 | $68,908 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $883.44 | $3,828 | $45,939 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Manchester) | $55.21 |
| 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 Manchester, NJ earn a median of $114,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $119,268.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.21/hr = $68,908/year (purchasing power: $59,816).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,847/year (purchasing power: $99,694).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Manchester grew 15.8% from $46.45/hr (2019) to $53.80/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.67/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
For those considering part-time work, the potential annual income for a civil engineer working 24 hours a week can still yield a respectable sum, although it may be lower than full-time counterparts. Per diem civil engineer pay in Manchester often exceeds standard hourly rates, with professionals billing anywhere from $100 to $180 per hour depending on their expertise. Esteemed specialists such as forensic engineers can charge even higher rates, attracting $250 to $500 for expert witness services. The variation in hourly pay is also influenced by employer type; while large firms like AECOM or Jacobs offer stability and benefits at a potentially lower hourly rate, many private developers, state agencies, and subconsultants provide higher hourly compensation without benefits. Negotiating an hourly rate requires an understanding of one’s worth in the market; civil engineers should consider not just pay, but the value of health benefits and retirement plans, particularly in a city like Manchester, where the demand for skilled professionals is on the rise.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for civil engineers in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time civil engineers make in Manchester?
Are civil engineers in Manchester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time civil engineer make per year in Manchester?
Do civil engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Manchester?
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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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