Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Passaic, NJ: $56.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Passaic, NJ runs $56.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,694 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Passaic's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,023 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Passaic, NJ, civil engineers earn a median hourly rate of $56.11, significantly higher than the national median of $49.76. This competitive pay reflects both the region's demand for qualified professionals and the cost of living, which stands above the national average. With this hourly rate, a part-time civil engineer working three days a week, for instance, can expect to earn approximately $43,724 annually, providing a substantial income while maintaining flexibility. For those considering per-diem positions, the typical work environment includes consulting firm offices with advanced design tools or onsite construction field offices, where project-based work may lead to varying demands. The hourly earnings range from $39.40 for entry-level roles, climbing to $86.96 for top earners, mirroring the diverse career paths within the field of civil engineering in the Passaic area.
About the Passaic 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) | $39.40 | $315.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.13 | $361.01 |
| Median (P50) | $56.11 | $448.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.81 | $574.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.96 | $695.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Passaic
Based on $56.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.11/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Passaic, NJ can expect to earn approximately $116,704 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,329. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Passaic.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Passaic
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,244.31 | $9,725 | $116,704 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,346.59 | $5,835 | $70,023 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $897.73 | $3,890 | $46,682 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Passaic) | $56.11 |
| 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 Passaic, NJ earn a median of $116,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $119,198.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.11/hr = $70,023/year (purchasing power: $60,783).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,704/year (purchasing power: $101,306).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Passaic grew 15.8% from $47.20/hr (2019) to $54.67/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.58/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 Passaic 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 Passaic
Beyond the standard hourly earning potential, it's crucial to understand the various compensation dynamics that influence civil engineer pay in Passaic. Part-time civil engineers, like those taking 24 hours a week, might bring in a steady income while enjoying balance in their personal lives, in contrast to full-time counterparts. Per diem civil engineer pay in Passaic often leans towards higher brackets, with experienced professionals frequently billing between $100 and $180 per hour. Specialty consultants in fields like geotechnical or hydraulic studies can demand between $150 and $250 per hour. However, civil engineers employed by different organizations, such as state DOTs or large construction firms like Bechtel and Kiewit, might face varying pay scales, especially when factoring in benefits like health insurance that affect overall compensation. When negotiating hourly rates, civil engineers should consider the trade-offs of benefits versus hourly pay while remaining aware of the ongoing demand driven by infrastructure initiatives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has bolstered job stability and growth in this sector.
More salary data for Passaic, 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
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 Passaic. 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 Passaic 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