Police Officer Salaries in New Jersey — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Police Officers in New Jersey earn an average of $89,030 per year ($42.81/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 21,620 police officers.
Police Officer salaries in New Jersey are above the national average by approximately $15,789. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
New Jersey's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for police officers.
New Jersey Police Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in New Jersey after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — New Jersey Police Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the New Jersey median of $89,030.
Police Officer Salary by Experience — New Jersey
Police Officer Salary Trend in New Jersey — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataPolice Officer salaries in New Jersey have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in New Jersey's law enforcement and public safety.
Police Officer Salary by City — New Jersey
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | $98,800 | $47.50 | +11.0% | 7,566 |
| Jersey City | $94,350 | $45.36 | +6.0% | 6,053 |
| Paterson | $91,700 | $44.09 | +3.0% | 3,891 |
| Elizabeth | $85,450 | $41.08 | -4.0% | 1,945 |
| Edison | $81,000 | $38.94 | -9.0% | 1,297 |
| Woodbridge | $77,450 | $37.24 | -13.0% | 864 |
Tip: Newark offers the highest police officer salaries in New Jersey at $98,800/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
New Jersey vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, New Jersey sits in the mid-range for police officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
Police Officer Job Outlook in New Jersey
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for police officers in New Jersey is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the New Jersey job market. New Jersey's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for police officers.
How to Earn More as a Police Officer in New Jersey
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in New Jersey typically adds $73,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Newark pays police officers $98,800/yr — +11.0% above the New Jersey average. Simply relocating within New Jersey can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Police Officers who specialise in law enforcement and public safety typically command premium rates in New Jersey. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays police officers $93,050/yr — 4.5% vs New Jersey.
Find Police Officer Jobs in New Jersey
Live ListingsSearch current police officer job vacancies in New Jersey:
🔍 Police Officer jobs in New Jersey — Indeed→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs in New Jersey — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs — Newark, NJ→