Are you considering a career in civil engineering in New Jersey, or looking to benchmark your current compensation?
We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of 747 civil engineering positions across New Jersey to provide insights into the civil engineering salary landscape. This article details Civil Engineer salaries and Civil Engineer wages in New Jersey for 2025, exploring how much civil engineers make and the key factors that influence compensation as revealed by the data.
Average Civil Engineer Salary in New Jersey
The median civil engineering salary in New Jersey is $117,500 USD per year or $56.49 USD per hour. This figure significantly exceeds the national median of $97,000, highlighting New Jersey’s position as one of the highest-paying states for civil engineering professionals.
Salary Range Overview
Factors Affecting Civil Engineers Salaries
Educational Level
Average Civil Engineer Salary by Education Level
Here’s where it gets interesting: while a bachelor’s degree forms the foundation for most civil engineering positions, the data reveals that pursuing advanced education pays off substantially. Master’s degree holders earn 14% more than bachelor’s degree holders, and PhD holders command nearly 20% more than those with just an undergraduate degree.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that certification holders, while earning less than degree holders, still command competitive salaries at over $109,000 annually. This suggests that specialized certifications like the PE license or project management certifications can provide valuable career advancement opportunities.
Education Requirements Distribution
Civil engineering positions in New Jersey predominantly require a civil engineering degree, with nearly 74% of positions listing a bachelor’s degree as the minimum requirement. However, the growing complexity of infrastructure projects and infrastructure boom, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is driving demand for more specialised expertise, explaining why over 25% of positions now seek advanced degrees.
Years of Experience
The data reveals fascinating patterns in Civil Engineer wage progression. The most significant salary jump occurs between years 2 and 3, where engineers see their compensation increase by over 16%. This aligns with industry insights that civil engineering salaries for entry-level positions have almost doubled in the last 25 years, reflecting strong market demand.
Another critical milestone appears between years 6 and 7, with a substantial jump to over $141,000. This typically corresponds with achieving PE licensure and taking on more complex project responsibilities. Relevant work experience plays a crucial role in determining compensation for civil engineers.
| Years of Experience | Percentage of Jobs | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 12.31% | 56 |
| 1 year | 0.44% | 2 |
| 2 years | 8.35% | 38 |
| 3 years | 10.33% | 47 |
| 4 years | 11.65% | 53 |
| 5 years | 15.60% | 71 |
| 6 years | 4.84% | 22 |
| 7 years | 1.98% | 9 |
| 8 years | 14.29% | 65 |
| 10+ years | 10.77% | 49 |
Remote Work
| Work Arrangement | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Onsite | $112,947 | 534 |
| Remote | $127,278 | 14 |
| Hybrid | $134,265 | 186 |
Here’s a trend that might surprise you: hybrid work arrangements command the highest salaries in New Jersey civil engineering, at over $134,000 annually. This reflects the evolving nature of civil engineering work, where employers need employees who have the self-motivation to work remotely while still maintaining essential field and client interaction capabilities.
The hybrid premium makes sense when you consider that civil engineers need to balance design work (which can be done remotely) with site visits, client meetings, and construction oversight (which require physical presence).
Seniority Level
The progression from internship to lead level represents a 257% increase in compensation, highlighting the substantial value of experience and leadership capabilities in the civil engineering field. This data provides insights into the potential for career advancement and salary growth in the profession, including specialised roles in infrastructure development, environmental engineering, and project management.
What’s particularly encouraging is the steady progression through each level, with no significant salary plateaus. The jump from mid-level to senior represents a critical career milestone, often coinciding with PE licensure and increased project responsibility.
Location
| City | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| North Bergen | $183,304 | $88.13 |
| Bridgewater | $180,000 | $86.54 |
| Ewing | $166,876 | $80.23 |
| Bloomfield | $161,713 | $77.75 |
| Piscataway | $161,389 | $77.59 |
| Livingston | $160,500 | $77.16 |
| Clark | $160,467 | $77.15 |
| Scotch Plains | $153,750 | $73.92 |
| Moorestown-Lenola | $151,750 | $72.96 |
| Paramus | $150,875 | $72.54 |
North Bergen leads with the highest civil engineering salaries in New Jersey, offering significantly higher compensation than the state median. This premium likely reflects the city’s proximity to New York City and the concentration of major infrastructure projects in the region. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, headquartered nearby, regularly handles projects to reinforce and rebuild bridges, repair roads, design and build airports, creating sustained demand for experienced engineers.
The geographic distribution shows that northern New Jersey municipalities generally offer higher salaries, reflecting both the cost of living and the concentration of complex infrastructure projects in the NY-NJ metropolitan area.
Top Paying Companies in New Jersey
Here’s a list of the top companies that consistently offer above-average salaries for civil engineers in New Jersey, representing some of the highest paying Civil Engineering jobs in the state:
| Company | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Luster National | $187,000 | $89.90 |
| Kennedy Jenks | $175,000 | $84.13 |
| Techno Consult | $172,831 | $83.09 |
| ERM | $166,876 | $80.23 |
| AECOM | $161,354 | $77.57 |
| CoreWeave | $160,500 | $77.16 |
| Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group | $160,000 | $76.92 |
| System One | $160,000 | $76.92 |
| Arcadis | $157,714 | $75.82 |
| EKA Associates, P.A | $157,500 | $75.72 |
| HNTB | $157,394 | $75.67 |
| GEI Consultants | $157,000 | $75.48 |
| Terracon | $151,750 | $72.96 |
| Connections Personnel | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| Groundwater & Environmental Services | $150,000 | $72.12 |
These organisations span diverse industry sectors, including engineering consultancies, environmental services, infrastructure development, and specialised technical services. The presence of major players like AECOM and HNTB reflects New Jersey’s position as a critical infrastructure hub, while specialised firms like ERM and Terracon highlight the growing importance of environmental and geotechnical engineering expertise.
How to Maximize Your Civil Engineering Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis and current market trends, we recommend the following strategies to optimize your civil engineering salary in New Jersey:
Pursue Strategic Advanced Education
While 74% of positions require only a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree holders earn 14% more on average. Getting a master’s degree goes a long way to making candidates stand out and improving earnings, with available salary data indicating that it takes only a few years to pay off the added cost.
Target the 2-3 Year Experience Sweet Spot
The most significant salary increase occurs between years 2-3 of experience, representing a critical career milestone. Focus on gaining diverse project experience during this period to maximize your earning trajectory.
Obtain Professional Licensure Early
Make yourself marketable by obtaining your PE license as soon as possible and getting other certifications in your specialized area. Licensed professionals command a 10–15% premium over their unlicensed peers.
Develop Hybrid Work Capabilities
With hybrid arrangements commanding the highest salaries, develop both technical skills for remote design work and field expertise for construction oversight.
Explore our article detailing the most required Civil Engineering Skills in 2025
Future Trends in Civil Engineering Salaries
The civil engineering job market is expected to grow by 5.0% between 2022 and 2032, driven by several key factors:
Infrastructure Investment Boom
Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), state and federal transportation projects are generating sustained demand for civil engineers. This federal investment is creating long-term career stability and upward salary pressure.
Technology Integration
The ability to analyze large datasets and utilize AI for predictive modeling, optimization, and decision-making will be increasingly important as the field continuously evolves.
Sustainability Focus
The trend toward renewable energy will mean that more civil engineers will be needed to conduct required structural analyses, prepare related permit documents, and enforce government regulations.
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 747 publicly available civil engineering salaries in New Jersey. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analyzed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. The data analysis was completed in July 2025, providing the most up-to-date information on Civil Engineer pay in New Jersey.
Conclusion
The civil engineering profession offers exceptional earning potential in New Jersey, with the median civil engineering salary reaching $117,500 USD annually – well above national averages. The state’s strategic location, robust infrastructure needs, and proximity to major metropolitan areas create a favorable compensation environment for civil engineering professionals.
For those looking to maximize their earning potential, a strategic approach combining technical skill development, professional certification, and geographic mobility is essential. Be comfortable with negotiating your salary for your new position or promotion and articulate your value based on your skills, education, and experience.
The future looks bright for civil engineers in New Jersey, with sustained infrastructure investment, technological advancement, and growing environmental consciousness driving both job growth and salary increases. Understanding these trends and positioning yourself strategically will help you negotiate competitive compensation packages and advance your career effectively.
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