New Jersey salaries by occupation
The median worker in New Jersey earned $57,230 a year in 2024, about $27.51 an hour, 15.6% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 650 occupations.
Median pay $57,230 $27.51 per hour
Vs national median +15.6% U.S. $49,500
Workers 4,250,430 wage and salary
Occupations reported 650 with at least 100 employed
What New Jersey is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shampooers | 5.71× | 1,400 | $31,470 |
| Therapists, All Other | 4.75× | 2,530 | $90,280 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | 4.59× | 76,060 | $42,770 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | 3.58× | 9,690 | $34,390 |
| Word Processors and Typists | 3.39× | 3,370 | $50,090 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 3.24× | 9,010 | $202,310 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | 3.02× | 1,010 | $60,330 |
| Materials Scientists | 2.73× | 630 | $83,120 |
| Chemists | 2.71× | 6,210 | $85,010 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | 2.67× | 6,630 | $42,270 |
Metro areas in New Jersey
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 6 New Jersey metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton | $62,610 | $30.10 | 239,220 | #8 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $60,460 | $29.07 | 9,363,020 | #11 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $51,760 | $24.89 | 2,868,720 | #53 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $47,770 | $22.97 | 370,040 | #150 |
| Vineland | $47,650 | $22.91 | 61,230 | #154 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | $46,290 | $22.25 | 166,720 | #210 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians, All Other | $238,870 | $114.84 | 7,840 | #1 of 18 |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $214,630 | n/a | 360 | #1 of 14 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $202,310 | $97.27 | 9,010 | #3 of 46 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $200,150 | $96.23 | 990 | #4 of 31 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $196,480 | $94.46 | 33,860 | #5 of 49 |
| Financial Managers | $188,750 | $90.74 | 32,370 | #2 of 51 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $182,660 | $87.82 | 810 | #2 of 33 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $174,230 | $83.77 | 4,320 | #7 of 49 |
| Marketing Managers | $173,310 | $83.32 | 11,750 | #5 of 47 |
| Purchasing Managers | $173,130 | $83.23 | 2,830 | #1 of 46 |
| Sales Managers | $171,490 | $82.45 | 18,110 | #4 of 50 |
| Pediatricians, General | $171,380 | $82.40 | 730 | #34 of 37 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 105,460 | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 101,720 | $39,050 | $18.78 |
| Registered Nurses | 95,150 | $102,730 | $49.39 |
| Cashiers | 93,270 | $33,200 | $15.96 |
| Retail Salespersons | 87,760 | $35,630 | $17.13 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 86,980 | $33,290 | $16.01 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | 76,060 | $42,770 | $20.56 |
| Office Clerks, General | 71,140 | $47,980 | $23.07 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 70,780 | $36,800 | $17.69 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 67,590 | $37,320 | $17.94 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in New Jersey
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 74
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $112,340
- Power Plant Operators $109,970
- Gas Plant Operators $104,960
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $101,340
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $88,550
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $79,350
- Tool and Die Makers $75,920
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $75,200
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $74,700
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $74,620
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $66,800
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $63,060
- Machinists $62,010
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $59,840
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $59,630
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $59,210
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $58,850
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $58,510
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $57,140
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $56,750
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $55,930
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $55,810
- Upholsterers $55,290
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $53,910
- Printing Press Operators $51,760
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $51,430
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,820
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $50,700
- Medical Appliance Technicians $50,690
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,880
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $49,700
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,540
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $49,120
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $48,850
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $48,780
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,720
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,410
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,170
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,170
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $46,310
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,200
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,990
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $45,980
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $45,510
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,100
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $42,190
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $42,180
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $41,610
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $41,600
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $40,260
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $40,220
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,190
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $40,190
- Helpers--Production Workers $39,530
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $39,240
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders $39,000
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $38,870
- Production Workers, All Other $38,710
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $38,610
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,190
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $37,490
- Furniture Finishers $37,460
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $37,330
- Bakers $36,650
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $36,470
- Food Batchmakers $36,470
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $36,420
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $36,100
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $35,910
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $35,500
- Sewing Machine Operators $35,080
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $34,860
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $34,410
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $34,330
Education and library 55
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $127,050
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $105,230
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $104,760
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $104,080
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $102,300
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $102,090
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $101,800
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $100,870
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $100,320
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $99,790
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $99,110
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $98,820
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $98,720
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $98,280
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $97,790
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $97,310
- Instructional Coordinators $90,100
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $87,450
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $86,650
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $85,590
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $83,710
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $83,460
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $83,330
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary $82,800
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $82,410
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $80,860
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $80,460
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $80,440
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $80,360
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $79,380
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $78,340
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $77,630
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $77,600
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $77,500
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $77,150
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $76,290
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $76,030
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $75,900
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $75,660
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $74,990
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $74,910
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $74,790
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $69,550
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $69,190
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $68,080
- Curators $65,930
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $63,790
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $61,560
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $52,590
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $47,350
- Library Technicians $46,730
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $46,570
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $37,390
- Tutors $37,220
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $35,620
Healthcare practitioners 50
- Physicians, All Other $238,870
- Pediatricians, General $171,380
- Medical Dosimetrists $165,100
- Dentists, General $159,860
- Optometrists $156,000
- General Internal Medicine Physicians $155,570
- Nurse Practitioners $149,620
- Veterinarians $148,550
- Physician Assistants $140,490
- Podiatrists $138,220
- Nurse Midwives $135,680
- Pharmacists $132,510
- Radiation Therapists $124,820
- Genetic Counselors $120,550
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $111,000
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $110,760
- Physical Therapists $106,310
- Audiologists $103,510
- Occupational Therapists $103,340
- Registered Nurses $102,730
- Dental Hygienists $102,600
- Speech-Language Pathologists $101,600
- Chiropractors $101,460
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $100,900
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $99,940
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $99,660
- Respiratory Therapists $98,020
- Therapists, All Other $90,280
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $85,520
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $81,160
- Paramedics $80,100
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $78,080
- Athletic Trainers $77,350
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $73,640
- Surgical Assistants $73,600
- Surgical Technologists $71,370
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $71,180
- Opticians, Dispensing $66,250
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $65,270
- Recreational Therapists $64,880
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $62,170
- Exercise Physiologists $60,340
- Psychiatric Technicians $58,000
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $56,100
- Medical Records Specialists $49,910
- Emergency Medical Technicians $49,500
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $48,630
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $47,460
- Pharmacy Technicians $38,890
- Dietetic Technicians $37,850
Office and administrative support 49
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $83,740
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $73,740
- Statistical Assistants $71,140
- Brokerage Clerks $67,590
- Postal Service Clerks $63,690
- Cargo and Freight Agents $62,860
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $60,490
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $60,400
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $59,920
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $59,550
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $58,760
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $58,010
- Financial Clerks, All Other $57,720
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $57,490
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers $56,940
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $56,730
- Meter Readers, Utilities $56,670
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $55,350
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $53,940
- Procurement Clerks $53,130
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $52,760
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $52,690
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $52,010
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $51,890
- Bill and Account Collectors $50,660
- Billing and Posting Clerks $50,610
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $50,570
- Word Processors and Typists $50,090
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $49,920
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $49,600
- Office Clerks, General $47,980
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $46,850
- Customer Service Representatives $46,740
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $46,610
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $46,460
- Tellers $45,720
- File Clerks $44,530
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $44,480
- Order Clerks $43,850
- Data Entry Keyers $43,480
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $40,570
- Gambling Cage Workers $40,230
- Couriers and Messengers $39,710
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $39,060
- Library Assistants, Clerical $37,980
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $37,920
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $37,710
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $37,360
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $37,260
Installation, maintenance and repair 42
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $116,280
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $108,750
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $101,270
- Avionics Technicians $100,980
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $97,730
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $88,120
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $83,420
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $80,880
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $77,660
- Rail Car Repairers $76,740
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $75,500
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $75,350
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $73,000
- Medical Equipment Repairers $72,280
- Millwrights $70,920
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $69,800
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $68,620
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $65,640
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $62,900
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $61,650
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $61,620
- Mechanical Door Repairers $60,560
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $60,390
- Riggers $60,050
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $60,010
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $59,490
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $59,410
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $59,300
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $57,290
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $56,020
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $55,760
- Motorcycle Mechanics $54,760
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $54,410
- Home Appliance Repairers $53,390
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $52,950
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $51,240
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $50,960
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $49,530
- Bicycle Repairers $47,090
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $47,060
- Tire Repairers and Changers $38,560
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $38,120
Construction and extraction 39
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $134,590
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $111,800
- Carpet Installers $107,850
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $105,490
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $103,850
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $98,060
- Sheet Metal Workers $94,310
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $84,170
- Construction and Building Inspectors $82,210
- Boilermakers $80,560
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $78,340
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $77,770
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $77,160
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $75,300
- Roofers $73,410
- Electricians $73,090
- Pipelayers $70,780
- Glaziers $67,690
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $64,940
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $64,840
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $64,670
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $63,420
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $63,410
- Construction Laborers $63,190
- Carpenters $61,880
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $60,290
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $58,760
- Tile and Stone Setters $58,760
- Stonemasons $57,970
- Fence Erectors $56,040
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $56,040
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $55,770
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $54,340
- Highway Maintenance Workers $50,700
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $48,070
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $45,140
- Helpers--Carpenters $41,600
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $41,570
- Helpers--Electricians $39,070
Management 35
- Natural Sciences Managers $202,310
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $196,480
- Financial Managers $188,750
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $182,660
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $174,230
- Marketing Managers $173,310
- Purchasing Managers $173,130
- Sales Managers $171,490
- Public Relations Managers $169,510
- Human Resources Managers $166,070
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $163,700
- Managers, All Other $163,630
- Training and Development Managers $151,570
- General and Operations Managers $149,990
- Industrial Production Managers $145,080
- Fundraising Managers $137,440
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $137,260
- Administrative Services Managers $137,210
- Medical and Health Services Managers $132,250
- Construction Managers $130,580
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $130,520
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $123,390
- Facilities Managers $123,010
- Emergency Management Directors $108,780
- Gambling Managers $106,140
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $96,900
- Social and Community Service Managers $92,840
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $85,440
- Funeral Home Managers $82,830
- Education Administrators, All Other $81,990
- Food Service Managers $79,370
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $78,350
- Lodging Managers $73,460
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $66,360
- Legislators $48,050
Transport and material moving 33
- Air Traffic Controllers $135,470
- Ship Engineers $117,090
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $91,700
- Crane and Tower Operators $88,470
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $81,900
- Transportation Workers, All Other $70,700
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $65,860
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $64,850
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $64,720
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $62,200
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $61,610
- Traffic Technicians $59,750
- Bus Drivers, School $59,140
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $59,050
- Transportation Inspectors $54,860
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $50,700
- Aircraft Service Attendants $47,350
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $47,010
- Light Truck Drivers $45,920
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $45,620
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $42,930
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $42,770
- Airfield Operations Specialists $41,450
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $39,830
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $39,200
- Passenger Attendants $39,100
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $39,050
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $37,910
- Driver/Sales Workers $37,450
- Stockers and Order Fillers $36,800
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $36,090
- Parking Attendants $35,280
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $34,390
Arts, design, entertainment and media 32
- Athletes and Sports Competitors $214,630
- Art Directors $126,030
- Special Effects Artists and Animators $124,300
- Sound Engineering Technicians $111,580
- Producers and Directors $107,850
- Technical Writers $86,990
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $85,560
- Fashion Designers $84,020
- Lighting Technicians $83,340
- Film and Video Editors $82,850
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $81,330
- Public Relations Specialists $75,640
- Writers and Authors $75,640
- Audio and Video Technicians $75,220
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $71,110
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $69,350
- Set and Exhibit Designers $67,870
- Interior Designers $67,290
- Graphic Designers $66,600
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $60,470
- Coaches and Scouts $60,350
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $58,020
- Designers, All Other $55,990
- Photographers $50,760
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $47,620
- Interpreters and Translators $45,120
- Floral Designers $40,000
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $35,900
- Actors not reported
- Musicians and Singers not reported
- Disc Jockeys, Except Radio not reported
- Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other not reported
Business and financial 31
- Personal Financial Advisors $123,690
- Financial Risk Specialists $123,000
- Labor Relations Specialists $118,940
- Project Management Specialists $113,320
- Financial and Investment Analysts $109,380
- Management Analysts $105,100
- Financial Examiners $103,300
- Accountants and Auditors $101,340
- Credit Analysts $100,210
- Loan Officers $95,090
- Logisticians $93,710
- Compliance Officers $93,520
- Insurance Underwriters $93,500
- Budget Analysts $92,980
- Financial Specialists, All Other $92,820
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $90,340
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $89,890
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $89,030
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $88,070
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $87,240
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $85,960
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $85,190
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $83,770
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes $83,410
- Cost Estimators $80,880
- Human Resources Specialists $78,170
- Training and Development Specialists $76,660
- Fundraisers $74,230
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $64,730
- Credit Counselors $63,330
- Tax Preparers $56,440
Architecture and engineering 30
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $155,860
- Engineers, All Other $131,960
- Computer Hardware Engineers $131,540
- Aerospace Engineers $128,400
- Electrical Engineers $125,120
- Chemical Engineers $118,340
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $115,080
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $112,330
- Mechanical Engineers $107,020
- Industrial Engineers $103,880
- Civil Engineers $103,690
- Materials Engineers $100,240
- Environmental Engineers $98,980
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $97,980
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $94,650
- Surveyors $93,260
- Landscape Architects $92,600
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $85,220
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $84,530
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $81,550
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $79,420
- Mechanical Drafters $79,190
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $76,960
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $71,230
- Drafters, All Other $66,430
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $64,990
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $62,780
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $61,170
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $59,260
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $57,240
Life, physical and social science 30
- Physicists $168,610
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $127,210
- Psychologists, All Other $124,800
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $110,190
- Life Scientists, All Other $104,500
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $103,360
- Biological Scientists, All Other $102,760
- Food Scientists and Technologists $102,630
- Survey Researchers $102,410
- Physical Scientists, All Other $102,350
- Economists $102,350
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $96,360
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $91,360
- School Psychologists $90,900
- Soil and Plant Scientists $85,020
- Chemists $85,010
- Urban and Regional Planners $84,730
- Materials Scientists $83,120
- Microbiologists $82,070
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $79,920
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $78,840
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $65,340
- Biological Technicians $63,430
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $60,630
- Conservation Scientists $60,430
- Chemical Technicians $57,640
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $56,950
- Social Science Research Assistants $56,350
- Food Science Technicians $52,390
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $49,620
Personal care and service 24
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $61,900
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $60,620
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $50,040
- Barbers $49,360
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $47,490
- Skincare Specialists $46,130
- Funeral Attendants $45,290
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $44,110
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $44,010
- Animal Trainers $42,010
- Residential Advisors $40,320
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $38,650
- Concierges $36,840
- Gambling Dealers $36,560
- Recreation Workers $35,720
- Tour and Travel Guides $35,140
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $34,820
- Animal Caretakers $34,530
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $34,430
- Childcare Workers $34,290
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $33,340
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $31,710
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $31,470
- Shampooers $31,470
Protective service 20
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $144,160
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $137,650
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $113,830
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $110,850
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $90,150
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $89,030
- Firefighters $87,660
- Transportation Security Screeners $70,430
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $69,090
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $64,170
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $52,000
- Private Detectives and Investigators $51,540
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $49,190
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $47,370
- Animal Control Workers $46,750
- Parking Enforcement Workers $43,430
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $42,270
- Security Guards $38,720
- School Bus Monitors $35,700
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $35,250
Computing and mathematics 19
- Computer Network Architects $147,650
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $146,290
- Database Architects $143,900
- Actuaries $137,330
- Information Security Analysts $135,390
- Software Developers $132,400
- Data Scientists $130,370
- Database Administrators $128,970
- Computer Systems Analysts $123,640
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $111,790
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $104,850
- Computer Occupations, All Other $103,910
- Computer Programmers $102,770
- Operations Research Analysts $101,220
- Statisticians $99,510
- Computer Network Support Specialists $88,440
- Web Developers $87,980
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $87,070
- Computer User Support Specialists $65,810
Sales 19
- Sales Engineers $145,410
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $134,240
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $97,230
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $96,470
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $78,870
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $78,380
- Insurance Sales Agents $78,080
- Advertising Sales Agents $73,260
- Real Estate Sales Agents $66,680
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $62,890
- Travel Agents $59,640
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $52,450
- Counter and Rental Clerks $45,260
- Parts Salespersons $40,700
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $36,250
- Retail Salespersons $35,630
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $35,340
- Telemarketers $33,580
- Cashiers $33,200
Community and social service 17
- Marriage and Family Therapists $89,030
- Healthcare Social Workers $81,710
- Health Education Specialists $78,400
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $78,150
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $77,940
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $77,810
- Counselors, All Other $76,240
- Social Workers, All Other $70,430
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $70,420
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $64,710
- Clergy $63,530
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $63,320
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $60,930
- Religious Workers, All Other $60,330
- Community Health Workers $51,710
- Social and Human Service Assistants $49,000
- Rehabilitation Counselors $48,190
Healthcare support 16
- Physical Therapist Assistants $74,780
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $72,800
- Massage Therapists $56,760
- Medical Equipment Preparers $49,090
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $48,610
- Dental Assistants $48,070
- Phlebotomists $46,840
- Psychiatric Aides $46,390
- Medical Assistants $46,280
- Nursing Assistants $44,910
- Medical Transcriptionists $43,280
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $42,910
- Orderlies $38,140
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $37,080
- Physical Therapist Aides $35,920
- Pharmacy Aides $34,900
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $69,660
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $48,210
- Bartenders $45,660
- Cooks, All Other $44,490
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $44,050
- Waiters and Waitresses $38,720
- Cooks, Restaurant $38,080
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $35,310
- Cooks, Short Order $35,190
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $35,110
- Food Preparation Workers $34,910
- Dishwashers $34,640
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $34,270
- Cooks, Fast Food $33,930
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $33,290
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $32,670
Building and grounds maintenance 9
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $76,060
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $61,660
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $57,210
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $55,680
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $48,840
- Pest Control Workers $46,370
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $40,390
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $37,320
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $36,670
Legal 7
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates $200,150
- Lawyers $158,470
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers $125,530
- Legal Support Workers, All Other $88,420
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants $62,790
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers $59,030
- Judicial Law Clerks $54,040
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in New Jersey?
The median across all occupations is $57,230 a year, or $27.51 an hour, covering 4,250,430 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in New Jersey?
Physicians, All Other ($238,870), Athletes and Sports Competitors ($214,630), Natural Sciences Managers ($202,310) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does New Jersey employ the most people in?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides, with 105,460 employed at a median of $37,080. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. New Jersey electricity averages 23.27¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.