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Civil Engineer Salary in Paterson, NJ

How much does a civil engineer make in Paterson? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Paterson's cost of living.

Median Salary
$153,990
per year in Paterson
Entry Level
$94,015
Starting salary
Senior Level
$210,723
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how civil engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Paterson.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$94,015$153,990$210,723
Monthly$7,835$12,833$17,560
Biweekly$3,616$5,923$8,105
Weekly$1,808$2,961$4,052
Hourly$45$74$101

Paterson vs National Average

How Paterson's civil engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Paterson Salary
$153,990
COL Index: 118
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$45,240
Higher in Paterson

Cost of Living in Paterson

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$38,156
per year
Population
159,732
residents
Rent % of Income
44.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Paterson have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Civil Engineer

Overview

Plan, design, and oversee construction of infrastructure projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Project DesignCADConstruction ManagementInfrastructure Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Civil Engineer Salary

See Civil Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,130
-31%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
-32%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
-35%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-36%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-38%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Civil Engineer Salary in Paterson, NJ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Paterson, NJ is $153,990 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Paterson's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in Paterson can expect to earn around $94,015 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $210,723 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Paterson's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Paterson are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,750, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a civil engineer's salary in Paterson typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 10.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Civil Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Paterson, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.