Electrical Engineer Salary in Newark, NJ: $133,221 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Newark, NJ earns a median $133,221/year (≈ $64.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Newark's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $115,643 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Newark, NJ, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $133,221. This figure highlights a promising market for engineering professionals, especially when compared to the national median of $125,033, indicating a competitive edge for local talent. The salary spectrum spans from $77,268 at the 10th percentile to $206,494 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of expertise and specialization prevalent in the industry. Given that Newark serves as an emerging hub for technology and innovation, especially in sectors like semiconductor and chip design, it's clear that the region offers unique opportunities for those looking to maximize their compensation potential in this field.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,268 | $37.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,562 | $49.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,221 | $64.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,523 | $81.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,494 | $99.28 |
Median Salary Position
6.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newark
In Newark, NJ, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,226 (2026 est.). At $133,221, the local median is 6.55% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newark: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newark Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Newark median: $133,221/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newark Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $144,023 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | +6.55% more |
Electrical Engineers in Newark, NJ earn a median of $133,221 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.55% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 7.50% below the New Jersey state average of $144,023.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newark has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newark, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $133,221 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,643 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,983
2025 BLS Actual
$128,530
2026 Current Est.
$133,221
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,983 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,433 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,996 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,086 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,954 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,221 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,084 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newark metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $104,983 (2019) to $128,530 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,084 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,101 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,268 – $103,562 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,562 – $133,221 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,221 – $170,523 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,523 – $206,494 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Newark
The local market for electrical engineers includes approximately 61 professionals, suggesting a focused yet significant demand. However, aspiring engineers must consider the cost of living in Newark, which stands at a higher-than-average index of 115.2. This factor can impact take-home pay, making it vital for engineers to seek out employers that contribute to higher compensation. Companies like Apple and Nvidia dominate the chip design space, often offering higher salaries due to their reliance on advanced technology and skilled labor. Conversely, traditional sectors, such as utilities, may lag behind these tech giants in terms of pay but may offer more stability and benefits. Understanding the distinctions between industries—where semiconductor and defense roles yield the highest salaries due to demands for security clearances and specialized skill sets—can inform career strategies. Ultimately, networking, pursuing advanced credentials like PE licensing, and mastering niche skills are effective routes for enhancing earning potential in Newark’s competitive job market.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Newark, NJ in 2026?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $128,530 for electrical engineersin the Newark metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newark 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