Top Paying Jobs in New Jersey
New Jersey has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 553,580 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Radiologists ($482,700), Surgeons, All Other ($437,890), Physicians, Pathologists ($355,970). The cost of living index is 99.34 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $2,067/month.
ⓘ
State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$171K
Avg. median salary
99.34
Cost of living index
$2,067
Median 2BR rent
9,266,949
Population
Highest paying careers in New Jersey
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Radiologists | Healthcare | $483K | $232.07/hr |
| 2 | Surgeons, All Other | Healthcare | $438K | $210.52/hr |
| 3 | Physicians, Pathologists | Healthcare | $356K | $171.14/hr |
| 4 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | Healthcare | $341K | $164.15/hr |
| 5 | Emergency Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $315K | $151.6/hr |
| 6 | Chief Executives | Management | $310K | $149.25/hr |
| 7 | Family Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $292K | $140.47/hr |
| 8 | Nurse Anesthetists | Healthcare | $291K | $140.07/hr |
| 9 | Pediatric Surgeons | Healthcare | $289K | $138.91/hr |
| 10 | Cardiologists | Healthcare | $287K | $137.76/hr |
Affordability snapshot: New Jersey
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-0.7% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$2,067/mo
Planning a move? Compare costs with other locations:
Metro areas in New Jersey
Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.
Compare New Jersey to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
Remote work salary calculator
See what your salary is worth in New Jersey
Calculate take-home pay in New Jersey
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in New Jersey?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in New Jersey?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data