Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
The median pay for a social and human service assistants in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is $51,200/year ($24.62/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $79K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.18), that's roughly $49,622 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,950/month — about 58.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $51K get you in Trenton-Princeton?
About social and human service assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Entry-level social and human service assistants (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $51K.Top earners bring in $79K or more - a $41K spread from bottom to top.
Social and Human Service Assistants pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $57K | +27% | 1,880 |
| California | $52K | +15% | 58,830 |
| Washington | $50K | +11% | 6,850 |
| New Jersey | $49K | +9% | 15,060 |
| Minnesota | $49K | +8% | 11,290 |
| Oregon | $49K | +8% | 10,820 |
| Rhode Island | $48K | +6% | 2,020 |
| Massachusetts | $47K | +5% | 11,870 |
| North Dakota | $47K | +4% | 1,280 |
| Wisconsin | $46K | +3% | 6,950 |
| Vermont | $46K | +3% | 2,150 |
| Maine | $46K | +3% | 4,620 |
| New York | $46K | +2% | 40,700 |
| Alaska | $46K | +2% | 1,070 |
| Idaho | $46K | +2% | 3,450 |
Track social and human service assistants salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Trenton-Princeton numbers change.
Related careers in Community & Social
Frequently asked questions
How much do social and human service assistants make in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The median is $51,200 a year - that works out to about $24.62 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,160, and experienced social and human service assistants can clear $78,940. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $51K enough to live in Trenton-Princeton?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,487/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,950/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 55.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a social and human service assistants salary go in Trenton-Princeton?
Trenton-Princeton has a Regional Price Parity of 103.18 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median social and human service assistants salary is worth about $49,622 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do social and human service assistants get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.