Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Passaic, NJ: $67.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Passaic, NJ runs $67.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,984 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Passaic's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,585 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Passaic, New Jersey, electrical engineers command a robust median hourly pay of $67.78, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $60.11, which reflects a competitive edge in the local job market. This higher rate allows part-time professionals working three days a week to earn a substantial income while offering flexibility in diverse settings, such as semiconductor fabrication clean rooms, tech labs with advanced tools, and hybrid environments where CAD simulations take place. Hourly wages range from $44.75 at the entry-level to around $105.06 for top earners, providing a spectrum of earnings that can accommodate various skill sets and experience levels. These estimates, rooted in annual salary data, underscore the potential for lucrative short-term work arrangements in a city where the demand for qualified electrical engineers remains strong.
About the Passaic 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) | $44.75 | $357.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.95 | $423.64 |
| Median (P50) | $67.78 | $542.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.76 | $694.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.06 | $840.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Passaic
Based on $67.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.78/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Passaic, NJ can expect to earn approximately $140,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,332. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Passaic.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Passaic
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,711.07 | $11,748 | $140,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,626.64 | $7,049 | $84,585 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,084.43 | $4,699 | $56,390 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Passaic) | $67.78 |
| 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 Passaic, NJ earn a median of $140,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $144,008.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.78/hr = $84,585/year (purchasing power: $73,425).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,976/year (purchasing power: $122,375).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Passaic grew 22.4% from $53.41/hr (2019) to $65.39/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.25/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 Passaic 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 Passaic
For electrical engineers in Passaic considering part-time opportunities, a typical schedule of working 24 hours a week could yield annual earnings comparable to full-time counterparts but with far fewer hours on the job. Conversely, per diem roles in this field present enticing earning potential; contractors can command rates between $90 and $170 per hour depending on the specialization and requirements of the job. Highly skilled professionals with security clearance might see considerably higher rates, ranging from $150 to $280 per hour in cleared defense positions. Additionally, consultants specializing in niche areas like chip design can charge $200 to $400 per hour, while expert witnesses may reach $300 to $600 per hour. The hourly rates vary with the employer type, with tech giants and defense contractors typically offering higher compensation than utility companies. While some engineers opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits and job stability, calculating your worth and negotiating effectively could lead to more lucrative contract opportunities in this evolving market.
More salary data for Passaic, 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 Passaic. 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 Passaic 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