Electrical Engineer Salary

Middletown vs Newark: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare electrical engineer salaries between Middletown, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Middletown, NJ
$141,805
$68.17/hr
Newark, NJ
$133,221
$64.05/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMiddletown, NJNewark, NJ
Median Salary$141,805$133,221
Hourly Rate$68.17$64.05
Entry Level (P10)$94,915$77,268
25th Percentile$111,759$103,562
75th Percentile$176,347$170,523
Top Earner (P90)$209,856$206,494
Total Employed1561
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Middletown ($141,805) and Newark ($133,221) electrical engineer salaries.MiddletownNewarkMedian Salary$141,805$133,221Entry Level (P10)$94,915$77,268Top Earner (P90)$209,856$206,494US Median $125,033

Verdict

Middletown, NJ offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.

The salary gap between Middletown and Newark is $8,584 (6.44%). Middletown's median is +13.41% compared to the US national median of $125,033.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middletown spans $114,941,Newark spans $129,226. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.

Middletown
P10 (Entry)$94,915
P25$111,759
Median$141,805
P75$176,347
P90 (Top)$209,856
Newark
P10 (Entry)$77,268
P25$103,562
Median$133,221
P75$170,523
P90 (Top)$206,494

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Middletown ($123,095 effective) pays 6.44% more than Newark ($115,643 effective).

Middletown
Nominal: $141,805
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $123,095
Newark
Nominal: $133,221
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $115,643

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Middletown if…

  • Higher median salary ($141,805/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($209,856)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,095)
  • 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 Middletown grew -5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -17.1% growth in Newark over the same period.

Middletown, NJ

+-5.8%

$145,170 (2024) → $136,811 (2025)

Newark, NJ

+-17.1%

$155,058 (2024) → $128,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays electrical engineers more: Middletown or Newark?

Middletown has a higher median electrical engineer salary at $141,805/year, compared to Newark at $133,221/year — a difference of $8,584 (6.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Middletown and Newark?

Middletown electrical engineers earn $68.17/hr while Newark hygienists earn $64.05/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Middletown to Newark as a electrical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Middletown and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Middletown = $123,095, Newark = $115,643), job availability (15 vs 61 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Middletown vs Newark?

Entry-level (10th percentile) electrical engineers earn $94,915 in Middletown and $77,268 in Newark. The Middletown area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Martinez, BSEEData verified by Nia Thompson, MEng

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