EngineeringUpdated Q1 2026

Structural Engineer Salary
in Elizabeth, NJ

Design and analyze load-bearing structures for buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. Median salary in Elizabeth: $133K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$133K
per year
Take-home: $79K

Salary range in Elizabeth

Entry level (25th)$102,000
Median (50th)$133,000
Senior (75th)$174,000
Top earner (90th)$220,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Elizabeth

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

45% premium vs national median

Structural Engineers in Elizabeth earn approximately 45% higher than the US national median for this role — a $41,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Elizabeth's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

10.75% state tax = $14,298/yr

New Jersey's 10.75% state income tax reduces take-home by roughly $14,298 per year at the median salary. A Structural Engineer relocating to a no-tax state like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee would retain that amount without changing gross pay.

Rent eats 30% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Elizabeth ($2,000/mo) consumes approximately 30% of an after-tax median Structural Engineer salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($174K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Elizabeth

Median salary
$133K
annual
Take-home pay
$79K
after fed/state tax
COL index
145
100 = US avg
State income tax
10.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$2,000
per month
YoY growth
+3.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Elizabeth Structural Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $133K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Elizabeth

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Structural Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$111K$121K$131K$140K$150K201920212023202520272029
2026
$136K
projected
2027
$140K
projected
2028
$143K
projected
2029
$147K
projected
2030
$150K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$133,000+$0
2028 projected$133,000+$0
2029 projected$133,000+$0
2030 projected$133,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Structural Engineer Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Structural Engineer salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $133,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Elizabeth–NJ metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Structural Engineer in Elizabeth

Entry-level Structural Engineers in Elizabeth with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $102,000 and $133,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $133,000 to $174,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $174,000 to $220,000 or more.

Cost of living in Elizabeth for Structural Engineers

Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 145 compared to the US national average of 100. Elizabeth's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. New Jersey has a 10.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Structural Engineer

Bachelor's in Civil or Structural Engineering; PE license. 25% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Structural Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Elizabeth (current)$133K145
Newark$112K155
Jersey City$115K162
Paterson$129K140
Edison$127K138