Last Updated: May 2026
New Jersey RN Salary 2026: What Nurses Really Earn in NJ
New Jersey RNs earn an average of $93,230/year ($44.82/hr)in 2026 — ranking among the top 5 states nationally. The state's proximity to New York City is the primary wage driver: NJ hospitals must compete with Manhattan salaries to retain staff, pushing base pay about 5% above the national average of approximately $89,000. Newark and Jersey City nurses — particularly those at RWJBarnabas and Hackensack Meridian — routinely see offers in the $98,000–$110,000 range for experienced specialty roles.
New Jersey RN Salary by City (2026)
| Metro Area | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Newark | $98,500–$110,000 | $47.36–$52.88/hr |
| Jersey City | $96,000–$107,000 | $46.15–$51.44/hr |
| Trenton | $89,000–$99,000 | $42.79–$47.60/hr |
| Atlantic City | $87,500–$97,000 | $42.07–$46.63/hr |
| State Average | $93,230 | $44.82/hr |
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 + NurseSalaryIntel 2026 projections
New Jersey RN Salary by Experience Level
NJ RN Salary by Years of Experience (2026)
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New Grad (0–1 yr) | $72,000–$79,000 | $34.62–$37.98/hr |
| Early Career (2–4 yrs) | $82,000–$93,000 | $39.42–$44.71/hr |
| Mid-Career (5–9 yrs) | $93,000–$107,000 | $44.71–$51.44/hr |
| Senior (10+ yrs) | $107,000–$124,000 | $51.44–$59.62/hr |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 data
The NJ Income Tax Reality
New Jersey's progressive income tax tops out at 10.75% — one of the highest in the country. On a $93,230 salary, most nurses pay approximately $5,500–$7,500/year in state income tax. When comparing a New Jersey offer to positions in Texas, Florida, or Nevada (all no-tax states), subtract $5,000–$8,000 from the NJ gross to get a true take-home comparison. The NYC wage proximity premium partially offsets this, but it's a key factor for nurses evaluating relocation.
Travel Nursing in New Jersey
Travel RN assignments in New Jersey pay $2,200–$3,000/week— above the national average, driven by demand at Level 1 trauma centers and specialty units near NYC. RWJBarnabas, Hackensack, and Cooper University Health are consistent travel nurse employers. NJ's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact simplifies multi-state licensing for travelers.
Travel Nurse Salary Guide →Compare New Jersey to Nearby States
📊 Data Methodology
Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.
Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Top Nursing Specialties in New Jersey
Specialty and certification significantly impact RN pay in New Jersey. See how each role compares nationally and within the state.
ICU Nurse Salary
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ER Nurse Salary
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NICU Nurse Salary
Neonatal ICU pay + certification
Nurse Practitioner Salary
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CRNA Salary
Highest-paid nursing role — $214K avg
Charge Nurse Salary
Leadership premium over staff RN
Full rankings: Highest-paying nursing specialties 2026 →
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