Mechanical Engineer Salary in Passaic, NJ: $120,820 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Passaic, NJ earns a median $120,820/year (≈ $58.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Passaic's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $104,878 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the mechanical engineer salary in Passaic, NJ, is projected to reach $120,820, outperforming the national median of $107,150 by 12.76%. With a salary range extending from $88,951 at the 10th percentile to $187,271 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living. The robust compensation landscape is significantly influenced by major industry players such as SpaceX and Tesla, which have redefined pay structures in aerospace and automotive sectors, incorporating equity and performance-based compensation that elevates overall earnings beyond base salaries. Companies that offer such competitive packages contribute richly to Passaic's job market, making it an attractive area for mechanical engineers seeking rewarding career opportunities.
About the Passaic Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,951 | $42.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,042 | $47.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,820 | $58.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,650 | $74.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,271 | $90.03 |
Median Salary Position
12.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Passaic
In Passaic, NJ, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $98,320 (2026 est.). At $120,820, the local median is 12.76% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Passaic: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Passaic Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Passaic median: $120,820/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Passaic Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $123,411 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | +12.76% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Passaic, NJ earn a median of $120,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $123,411.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Passaic has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Passaic, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $120,820 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,878 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,712
2025 BLS Actual
$117,392
2026 Current Est.
$120,820
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,712 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,662 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,597 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,205 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,671 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,392 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,820 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,348 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Passaic metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $99,712 (2019) to $117,392 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,348 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,636 (24.71%) from 2019.
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 2.92% 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) | $88,951 – $99,042 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,042 – $120,820 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,820 – $154,650 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,650 – $187,271 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Passaic
Analyzing the local job market, Passaic employs around 18 mechanical engineers, indicating a niche yet specialized demand for talent in this field. However, the cost of living is slightly elevated, with a CoL index of 115.2, emphasizing the importance of strategic salary negotiations for maximizing take-home pay. Top employers in the region include automotive giants like Tesla and Rivian, as well as aerospace leaders such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, all of which tend to offer higher compensation packages compared to traditional manufacturing roles. The disparity between low and high pays can often be traced back to the specific industry and required qualifications, such as the necessity for a Professional Engineer (PE) license in HVAC roles or security clearances for defense contractors. Mechanical engineers aiming to enhance their earnings in Passaic should consider targeting high-growth sectors, pursuing advanced certifications, and engaging in continuous skill development to position themselves favorably in negotiations, particularly as the market evolves with advancements in technology and engineering practices.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
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 $117,392 for mechanical engineersin the Passaic metropolitan area. A 2.92% 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 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 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov