Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Wayne, NJ: $56.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Wayne, NJ runs $56.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,742 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Wayne's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,048 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wayne, NJ, civil engineers are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $56.13 in 2026, outperforming the national median hourly rate of $49.76 by a notable margin. This competitive hourly rate greatly influences the earning potential for part-time professionals; those working three days a week could expect a significant income while balancing personal commitments. Civil engineers in varying roles—such as those employed in consulting firms, working on construction sites, or engaged in government projects—generally find themselves in environments equipped with advanced technology like CAD, Revit, and AutoCAD. The hourly pay range for civil engineers in Wayne spans from $39.45 for entry-level positions up to $87.00 for experienced professionals, reflecting the breadth of expertise and responsibility carried within different projects and settings.
About the Wayne 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) | $39.45 | $315.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.94 | $351.49 |
| Median (P50) | $56.13 | $449.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.84 | $574.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.00 | $696.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wayne
Based on $56.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.13/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wayne, NJ can expect to earn approximately $116,747 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,354. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wayne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wayne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,245.13 | $9,729 | $116,747 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,347.08 | $5,837 | $70,048 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $898.05 | $3,892 | $46,699 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Wayne) | $56.13 |
| 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 Wayne, NJ earn a median of $116,742 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.80% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $119,246.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.13/hr = $70,048/year (purchasing power: $60,806).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,747/year (purchasing power: $101,343).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Wayne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Wayne grew 15.8% from $47.22/hr (2019) to $54.69/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.60/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 Wayne 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 Wayne
For civil engineers specifically choosing part-time work, the annual income derived from a standard schedule of 24 hours a week translates to a compelling earnings potential, albeit less than full-time salaries. The flexibility of working on a per-diem basis can yield exceptional pay, with per-diem civil engineers able to charge between $100 and $180 an hour, making it an appealing option for seasoned professionals looking for higher returns without full-time commitments. Moreover, highly specialized engineers, such as those providing expert testimony or conducting forensic work, can command fees ranging from $250 to $500 an hour. Different employer types in Wayne, whether consulting firms like AECOM or local public works departments, can influence hourly rates significantly. Some civil engineers may opt for positions that offer lower hourly pay but come with benefits like health insurance, suggesting a careful balancing act between immediate financial remuneration and long-term security. Negotiating hourly rates in this environment often requires awareness of prevailing market rates and individual skill sets, making informed discussions vital for securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Wayne, 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 Wayne. 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 Wayne 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