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.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Project Management Specialists | Business & Finance | $123K | $59.12/hr |
| 92 | Computer Systems Analysts | Technology | $123K | $59.08/hr |
| 93 | Music Directors and Composers | Arts & Media | $123K | $59.02/hr |
| 94 | Biochemists and Biophysicists | Science | $123K | $58.95/hr |
| 95 | Technical Writers | Arts & Media | $122K | $58.81/hr |
| 96 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | Repair & Maintenance | $122K | $58.45/hr |
| 97 | Emergency Management Directors | Management | $121K | $58.17/hr |
| 98 | Database Architects | Technology | $121K | $58.07/hr |
| 99 | Atmospheric and Space Scientists | Science | $120K | $57.78/hr |
| 100 | Producers and Directors | Arts & Media | $120K | $57.62/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
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Metro areas in New Jersey
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Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data