Clifton vs Newark: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Clifton, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clifton, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,371▲ | $133,221 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.96▲ | $64.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,937▲ | $77,268 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,901▲ | $103,562 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,293▲ | $170,523 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,125▲ | $206,494 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 61▲ |
Verdict
Clifton, NJ offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.
The salary gap between Clifton and Newark is $8,150 (6.12%). Clifton's median is +13.07% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clifton spans $125,188,Newark spans $129,226. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Clifton ($122,718 effective) pays 6.12% more than Newark ($115,643 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clifton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,371/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,125)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,718)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Clifton grew -5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -17.1% growth in Newark over the same period.
Clifton, NJ
$144,726 (2024) → $136,393 (2025)
Newark, NJ
$155,058 (2024) → $128,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clifton, NJ
Newark, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Clifton or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clifton and Newark?
Should I relocate from Clifton to Newark as a electrical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov