Electrical Engineer Salary in Paterson, NJ: $143,937 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Paterson, NJ earns a median $143,937/year (≈ $69.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Paterson's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $124,945 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Paterson, New Jersey, can expect a median annual salary of $143,937, positioning them above the national median of $125,033, which equates to a 15.12% increase in local pay. The extensive salary range illustrates the disparity within the field, with entry-level positions starting around $93,315 and experienced roles reaching up to $223,101. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, reflecting the unique market conditions within Paterson. Notably, the semiconductor and chip design sectors tend to offer higher compensation compared to the utility power systems, indicating a clear hierarchy of pay based on the industry.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,315 | $44.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,460 | $53.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $143,937 | $69.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $184,239 | $88.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $223,101 | $107.26 |
Median Salary Position
15.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paterson
In Paterson, NJ, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,786 (2026 est.). At $143,937, the local median is 15.12% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paterson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paterson Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Paterson median: $143,937/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paterson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $144,081 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | +15.12% more |
Electrical Engineers in Paterson, NJ earn a median of $143,937 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $144,081.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paterson has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paterson, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $143,937 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,945 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,427
2025 BLS Actual
$138,868
2026 Current Est.
$143,937
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,427 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,074 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,602 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,941 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,868 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,937 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,190 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paterson metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $113,427 (2019) to $138,868 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,190 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,763 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paterson 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) | $93,315 – $111,460 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,460 – $143,937 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $143,937 – $184,239 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $184,239 – $223,101 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Paterson
The job market for electrical engineers in Paterson is relatively modest, with only 31 professionals currently employed in this field. Given the cost of living index of 115.2, which is higher than the national average, engineers could find that their purchasing power is significantly affected. Employers in the area, particularly those engaged in semiconductor design, including tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, typically offer salaries on the higher end of the spectrum. In contrast, roles in utilities, while stable, tend to lag behind, but may provide long-term benefits like pensions. The variation in wages largely revolves around the industry type, with chip fabrication commanding the most competitive rates primarily due to demand for advanced skills. For individuals looking to maximize their earnings in Paterson, focusing on sectors like semiconductor engineering or obtaining additional qualifications, such as a PhD or PE license, can enhance both salary prospects and career advancement opportunities in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Paterson, 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
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 $138,868 for electrical engineersin the Paterson 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 Paterson 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