The average salary in NJ depends on how it is measured, but government data puts it well above the national average. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) payroll data reported by USAFacts, New Jersey private-sector workers averaged $1,328 a week in July 2026, or about $69,000 a year, ranking New Jersey 5th among states. BLS county data for the first quarter of 2026 put New Jersey’s average weekly wage at $1,879, compared with $1,654 nationally, though first-quarter pay includes annual bonuses. After adjusting for the state’s high cost of living, New Jersey ranked 26th.
Key Takeaways
- About $69,000 a year: average private-sector weekly earnings of $1,328 in July 2026, multiplied by 52 weeks.
- 5th highest nominal pay among states, but 26th after adjusting for cost of living.
- Q1 2026 average weekly wage: $1,879 in New Jersey vs. $1,654 in the U.S., including bonus-heavy first-quarter pay.
- Highest-paying county: Somerset, at $2,849 a week in the first quarter of 2026.
- New York metro workers, including North Jersey, averaged $41.50 an hour in May 2025, versus $33.54 nationally.
- Pay varies widely by job, from food service to management and legal work.
Figures come from BLS data releases and USAFacts, reviewed in September 2026. Annual amounts are simple estimates (weekly × 52 or hourly × 2,080) and are rounded. “Average” means the mean, which is pulled up by high earners.
Average Salary in NJ: The Main Measures
| Measure | Figure | Rough annual equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly earnings, private sector (July 2026) | $1,328 per week | About $69,000 | BLS Current Employment Statistics, via USAFacts |
| Average weekly wage, all covered jobs (Q1 2026) | $1,879 per week | About $97,700 | BLS county data; first quarter includes annual bonuses |
| U.S. average weekly wage (Q1 2026) | $1,654 per week | About $86,000 | Same source, for comparison |
| New York–Newark–Jersey City metro mean hourly wage (May 2025) | $41.50 per hour | About $86,300 | Covers 22 counties in New York and New Jersey |
The numbers differ because each survey measures something slightly different. For example, the first-quarter figure is inflated by year-end and first-quarter bonuses, especially in finance and pharmaceuticals. As a result, the July 2026 private-sector figure is a better guide to typical ongoing pay.
Average Salary in NJ by County
Pay varies a lot across the state. The BLS county report for the first quarter of 2026 showed these average weekly wages in New Jersey’s largest counties:
| County | Average weekly wage (Q1 2026) | Change from a year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Somerset | $2,849 | +5.6% |
| Morris | $2,438 | +5.4% |
| Hudson | $2,294 | +4.7% |
| Mercer | $2,264 | +5.0% |
| Essex | $1,935 | +2.2% |
| Union | $1,885 | +4.4% |
| Middlesex | $1,832 | +4.2% |
| Bergen | $1,659 | +0.6% |
| Burlington | $1,505 | +2.3% |
| Monmouth | $1,446 | -4.2% |
| Camden | $1,426 | +3.6% |
| Passaic | $1,306 | +3.1% |
| Atlantic | $1,204 | +0.2% |
| Gloucester | $1,167 | +1.9% |
| Ocean | $1,150 | Not available |
These figures reflect where people work, not where they live. Somerset and Morris counties host many corporate headquarters and pharmaceutical firms, which pushes up average pay. Hudson County includes large finance employers along the Jersey City waterfront.
Pay by Type of Job
For the New York–Newark–Jersey City metro area, which includes much of North Jersey, BLS data for May 2025 showed big gaps between occupations:
| Occupation group | Metro mean hourly wage | U.S. mean hourly wage | Metro annual equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management | $94.64 | $69.84 | About $196,900 |
| Legal | $87.83 | $67.07 | About $182,700 |
| All occupations | $41.50 | $33.54 | About $86,300 |
| Food preparation and serving | $22.22 | $17.86 | About $46,200 |
| Healthcare support | $20.91 | $19.62 | About $43,500 |
As a result, the average salary in NJ hides a wide range. Managers, lawyers, software developers and many healthcare practitioners earn far above the average, while food service, retail and personal care workers earn well below it.
Average vs. Median Pay
An average (mean) adds up all wages and divides by the number of workers. A small number of very high earners can pull that figure up. The median, by contrast, is the middle value, where half of workers earn more and half earn less. In high-income states like New Jersey, the median worker usually earns noticeably less than the average. Keep this in mind when comparing your own pay with the average salary in NJ.
Does a High Salary Go Far in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s pay ranks near the top nationally, but costs are high too. USAFacts noted that New Jersey ranked 5th in nominal average weekly wages but 26th after adjusting for regional cost of living. The biggest cost pressures include:
- Housing: home prices and rents are high, especially in North Jersey.
- Property taxes: New Jersey has the highest average property tax bill in the nation.
- Transportation: tolls, commuter fares and insurance add up.
- Energy: electricity bills rose sharply in recent years.
How to Estimate Your Take-Home Pay
Gross salary is only part of the picture. In New Jersey, take-home pay is reduced by federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, New Jersey income tax and state payroll contributions for unemployment, disability and family leave insurance. Our paycheck guide walks through the math with examples.
Tips to Compare Your Salary
- Compare by occupation and region, not just the statewide average.
- Look at median pay for your job title when negotiating.
- Factor in benefits, such as health insurance and retirement contributions.
- Consider commuting costs if a higher-paying job is in New York City or another county.
How New Jersey Pay Has Changed
Wages in New Jersey have generally risen year over year. For example, the BLS county report showed average weekly wages up in most large counties from the first quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026, with gains of more than 5% in Somerset, Morris and Mercer counties. USAFacts also reported that average weekly earnings in July 2026 were 1.1% higher than a year earlier. However, prices for housing, energy and other essentials have also increased, so higher pay does not always mean more buying power.
Average Salary in NJ vs. Nearby States
New Jersey workers often compare their pay with New York and Pennsylvania. Many North Jersey residents commute to New York City, where pay in fields like finance, law and media can be higher. By contrast, South Jersey residents often work in the Philadelphia area. When comparing offers, include commuting time and costs, state income taxes and whether the job allows remote work.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Where is the job? | Pay and costs vary by county and city |
| Is it salaried or hourly? | Overtime can change total pay |
| What benefits come with it? | Health insurance and retirement plans add value |
| How long is the commute? | Tolls, fares and time all have costs |
For a fuller picture of your own pay, compare offers using the same measure. Look at annual base pay, expected bonuses, overtime and benefits, and remember that averages describe groups of workers, not what any one employer will pay.
Related NJ Money Guides
Estimate your take-home pay with our NJ paycheck calculator guide and see how much tax you owe in our NJ income tax rates guide. For the pay floor, see the NJ minimum wage. Browse more in our Money & Taxes section or on the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Average Salary in NJ
What is the average salary in New Jersey?
Based on BLS data for July 2026, private-sector workers averaged $1,328 a week, or about $69,000 a year.
How does NJ pay compare to other states?
New Jersey ranked 5th among states for nominal average weekly wages but 26th after adjusting for cost of living.
Which NJ county has the highest wages?
Somerset County had the highest average weekly wage among large counties in the first quarter of 2026, at $2,849.
Why are first-quarter wages higher?
First-quarter figures include annual bonuses, especially in finance and pharmaceuticals, so they run higher than typical weekly pay.
What jobs pay the most in the NJ area?
Management and legal occupations top the list, with metro-area mean wages near $95 and $88 an hour in May 2025.
Is a good salary in NJ higher than elsewhere?
Usually yes, because housing, property taxes and commuting costs in New Jersey are high.
What is a good salary in NJ?
It depends on where you live and your household, but many New Jerseyans need above-average pay to cover high housing and property tax costs.
Do NJ wages rise every year?
Wages generally rise over time; average weekly earnings in July 2026 were 1.1% higher than a year earlier.
What is the difference between average and median salary?
The average adds all wages and divides by the number of workers, while the median is the middle value. High earners pull the average up.
The Bottom Line
The average salary in NJ is roughly $69,000 a year based on July 2026 private-sector earnings, and higher on broader measures that include bonuses. New Jersey ranks 5th among states for pay but 26th after adjusting for living costs. Pay varies widely by county and occupation, so compare your salary with others in your field and region, and weigh housing, taxes and commuting costs when judging what a paycheck is worth.