Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Kearny, NJ: $178,772 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Kearny, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $178,772/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Kearny's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $155,184 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Kearny, NJ presents exciting opportunities for senior civil engineers, especially for those with extensive experience. By 2026, top earners in this region can expect to achieve a remarkable annual salary of $178,772, significantly outpacing both the local and national medians. This creates a notable income gap, with the median annual salary for experienced professionals projected at $115,337. For engineers eyeing the upper echelons of the salary scale, reaching that level will often require specialization in high-demand areas such as structural engineering or construction management, in addition to a demonstrated history of leadership and project success. With the infrastructure spending boom fueled by recent legislation, experienced professionals who have positioned themselves strategically within reputable firms are well-poised for these lucrative roles.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearny
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Kearny earn between $143,753 and $178,772 per year (2026 est.). This $93,749 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kearny median of $115,337 sits 11.45% above the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Kearny | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $115,337 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,753 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $178,772 | $167,513 |
In Kearny, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Kearny
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $115,337 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kearny employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Kearny command premium compensation, often reaching the $143,753–$178,772 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kearny metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced civil engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured civil engineers in Kearny with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Civil Engineers in New Jersey who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Civil Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in Kearny
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKearny ranks #42 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $178,772).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Kearny ($178,772) is 12.02% above the New Jersey average P90 ($159,587).
2019 BLS Actual
$154,277
2025 BLS Actual
$174,191
2026 Current Est.
$178,772
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,277 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,544 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,012 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,765 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $174,191 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $178,772 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $183,474 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Kearny saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $154,277 in 2019 to $174,191 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $183,474 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Civil Engineer Earnings in Kearny
The potential for higher compensation varies based on the type of employer. Senior civil engineers in Kearny can navigate distinct career paths that align with their expertise, whether they choose construction giants like Bechtel and Fluor, renowned engineering consultancies such as AECOM and Jacobs, or public sectors like state DOTs. Specialties like transportation/hydraulics or geotechnical work often command premium pay, reflecting the critical nature of these services. Earning credentials such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license not only helps bridge the entry-to-senior pay gap but also opens doors to various advancement tracks like project manager and principal roles. Additionally, advanced certifications in management or sustainability can enhance marketability, while the current focus on infrastructure improvement offers a fertile environment for salary growth in the field, making Kearny an attractive place for seasoned civil engineers.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Kearny in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Kearny?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Kearny?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Kearny?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Kearny?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $174,191 for civil engineers in the Kearny metro area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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