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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | Power Distributors and Dispatchers | Production & Manufacturing | $128K | $61.65/hr |
| 82 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | Science | $127K | $61.1/hr |
| 83 | Chemical Engineers | Engineering | $127K | $60.94/hr |
| 84 | Hydrologists | Science | $127K | $60.9/hr |
| 85 | Aerospace Engineers | Engineering | $126K | $60.79/hr |
| 86 | Database Administrators | Technology | $126K | $60.51/hr |
| 87 | Electrical Engineers | Engineering | $125K | $60.27/hr |
| 88 | Acupuncturists | Healthcare | $125K | $60.22/hr |
| 89 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Healthcare | $124K | $59.75/hr |
| 90 | Facilities Managers | Management | $124K | $59.67/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