Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $69.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $69.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,357 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,211 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabeth, NJ, electrical engineers can expect a competitive hourly rate of $69.88, which is significantly above the national hourly median of $60.11. This wage translates well for professionals working part-time or on a per-diem basis, especially in environments like tech company labs and defense contractor settings. With an hourly range from $46.09 for entry-level positions to as much as $108.31 for experienced engineers, the pay reflects both skill levels and the complexity of the projects at hand. Work settings, such as semiconductor fabrication clean rooms and remote CAD simulation roles, provide flexible opportunities that align with this hourly pay structure, thereby appealing to those searching for a balance between professional engagement and personal commitments.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.09 | $368.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.92 | $439.39 |
| Median (P50) | $69.88 | $559.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.45 | $715.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.31 | $866.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $69.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.88/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $145,352 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,857. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,795.23 | $12,113 | $145,352 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,677.14 | $7,268 | $87,211 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,118.09 | $4,845 | $58,141 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Elizabeth) | $69.88 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $145,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $144,060.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.88/hr = $87,211/year (purchasing power: $75,704).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,352/year (purchasing power: $126,174).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Elizabeth grew 22.4% from $55.07/hr (2019) to $67.42/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.43/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Elizabeth
For those considering part-time work, an electrical engineer in Elizabeth who works three days a week (approximately 24 hours) would earn around $54,208 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. However, per-diem electrical engineer pay in Elizabeth has its advantages—contractual roles often bill significantly higher, ranging from $90 to $170 per hour. Specialized consultants in chip design could command rates upwards of $200, while those with security clearances often attract even higher fees. Hourly rates vary widely depending on the employer; technology firms like AMD and Intel frequently offer the most lucrative positions, while utility companies might provide less cash compensation but could include beneficial perks like pension plans. Understanding these differences, along with leveraging contract negotiations for better compensation, can help engineers maximize their earning potential in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Elizabeth. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elizabeth is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov