Registered Nurse Salaries in New Jersey — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Registered Nurses in New Jersey earn an average of $102,730 per year ($49.39/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 95,150 registered nurses.
Registered Nurse salaries in New Jersey are above the national average by approximately $12,554. 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 registered nurses.
New Jersey Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the New Jersey median of $102,730.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — New Jersey
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in New Jersey — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for registered nurses in New Jersey: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in New Jersey's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — New Jersey
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | $114,050 | $54.83 | +11.0% | 33,302 |
| Jersey City | $108,900 | $52.36 | +6.0% | 26,642 |
| Paterson | $105,800 | $50.87 | +3.0% | 17,127 |
| Elizabeth | $98,600 | $47.40 | -4.0% | 8,563 |
| Edison | $93,500 | $44.95 | -9.0% | 5,709 |
| Woodbridge | $89,400 | $42.98 | -13.0% | 3,806 |
Tip: Newark offers the highest registered nurse salaries in New Jersey at $114,050/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 registered nurses.
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%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in New Jersey
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses 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 registered nurses.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in New Jersey
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in New Jersey typically adds $84,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Newark pays registered nurses $114,050/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. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals 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 registered nurses $105,600/yr — 2.8% vs New Jersey.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in New Jersey
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in New Jersey:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in New Jersey — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in New Jersey — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Newark, NJ→