Environmental Engineer Salary in Paterson, NJ: $101,661 (2026)

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

Paterson offers a median environmental engineer salary of $101,661, which is $9,682 below the New Jersey state average of $111,343. Compared to the national median of $96,820, 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 environmental engineers in Paterson spans from $64,050 at the 10th percentile to $155,400 at the 90th percentile — a $91,350 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,200, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,100. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $67,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$67,200

+$3,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$102,900

+$4,900 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$149,100

+$7,100 vs national

Percentile	Paterson	NJ State	National
10th Percentile	$64,050	$70,150	$61,000
25th Percentile	$79,800	$87,400	$76,000
Median (50th)	$101,661	$111,343	$96,820
75th Percentile	$128,100	$140,300	$122,000
90th Percentile	$155,400	$170,200	$148,000

Percentile

Paterson

10th Percentile

$64,050

25th Percentile

$79,800

Median (50th)

$101,661

75th Percentile

$128,100

90th Percentile

$155,400

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Paterson

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Paterson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Paterson

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Paterson, NJ? ▼

The median environmental engineer salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $101,661 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $64,050 (10th percentile) to $155,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Paterson? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $101,661, a environmental engineer in Paterson earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼

Paterson's median environmental engineer salary of $101,661 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $111,343. 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 environmental engineer salary of $101,661 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Paterson? ▼

Most environmental engineer positions in Paterson require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, Air Quality, EPA Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Paterson, New Jersey