Civil Engineer Salary in Newark, NJ: $110,316 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Newark, NJ earns a median $110,316/year (≈ $53.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Newark's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $95,760 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, New Jersey, civil engineers can expect a median annual salary of $110,316, which reflects a competitive position when compared to the national figure of $103,492. The salary range for this profession is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting at $67,527, while experienced engineers can earn as much as $170,990. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. Generally, the local job market incorporates a mix of employment scenarios, including work in consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, government agencies such as the state Department of Transportation (DOT), and construction companies. As infrastructure projects ramp up due to increased funding, the job outlook for civil engineers remains robust in Newark.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,527 | $32.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,243 | $42.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $110,316 | $53.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,205 | $67.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,990 | $82.21 |
Median Salary Position
6.59% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newark
In Newark, NJ, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $103,463 (2026 est.). At $110,316, the local median is 6.59% above the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newark: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newark Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Newark median: $110,316/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newark Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $119,260 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $103,492 | +6.59% more |
Civil Engineers in Newark, NJ earn a median of $110,316 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.59% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 7.50% below the New Jersey state average of $119,260.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newark has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newark, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $110,316 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,760 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,800
2025 BLS Actual
$107,489
2026 Current Est.
$110,316
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,213 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,316 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,217 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newark metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $92,800 (2019) to $107,489 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $113,217 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,417 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $67,527 – $88,243 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,243 – $110,316 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $110,316 – $141,205 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,205 – $170,990 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Newark
The Newark civil engineering sector employs around 61 professionals, reflecting a niche but stable market. The cost of living index in the area sits at 115.2, indicating that while compensation is above the national average, purchasing power may be impacted by higher living costs. Major employers, particularly within engineering consulting, are likely to offer the most attractive salaries, as firms like WSP, Stantec, and HDR often pay premium rates compared to public works or smaller local firms. Factors that contribute to the broad salary range include the necessity of obtaining a PE license for advanced roles, the specialization areas within the field, and the tier of the hiring firm. Those looking to maximize their civil engineer pay in Newark, NJ, should consider pursuing relevant certifications and experience in high-demand specializations, as well as building strong networks with top-tier firms engaged in ongoing and future infrastructure initiatives, especially those funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
More salary data for Newark, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $107,489 for civil engineersin the Newark metropolitan area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newark 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