Engineering Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Civil Engineer Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median civil engineer salary in Paterson, NJ is $94,437 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$94,437
vs State Avg
$-8,994
vs National
+$4,497
Cost of Living
105%

Civil Engineer Pay in Paterson: What to Expect (2026)

Paterson offers a median civil engineer salary of $94,437, which is $8,994 below the New Jersey state average of $103,431. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for civil engineers in Paterson spans from $63,420 at the 10th percentile to $145,530 at the 90th percentile — a $82,110 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,100, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,500. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Civil Engineer Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $65,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,100
+$3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,500
+$4,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,500
+$6,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $63,420
25th Percentile $76,860
Median (50th) $94,437
75th Percentile $119,700
90th Percentile $145,530

Civil Engineer Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Paterson

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Paterson and the surrounding New Jersey area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Paterson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Paterson

Browse open civil engineer positions in Paterson, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Paterson

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $94,437 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $63,420 (10th percentile) to $145,530 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,437, a civil engineer in Paterson earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Paterson's median civil engineer salary of $94,437 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $103,431. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $94,437 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Paterson? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Paterson require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.