Registered nurse salary in New Jersey

The median registered nurse in New Jersey earned $106,500 a year in 2025, $8,950 (9%) above the $97,550 national median. That ranks 7th of 51 states.

Median yearly pay
$106,500
Average yearly pay
$110,100
Employed in New Jersey
92,680

How New Jersey compares

  • California highest state$140,270
  • New Jersey 7th of 51$106,500
  • United States national median$97,550
  • Middle state median of state medians$93,600
  • Alabama lowest state$77,080

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.

Nursing pay in New Jersey

Median pay by nursing role in New Jersey
RoleMedian yearly payEmployed
Registered nurse$106,50092,680
LPN or LVN$75,16017,410
Nurse practitioner$159,3109,950

A nurse practitioner in New Jersey earns a median $52,810 more than a registered nurse ($159,310 against $106,500). A registered nurse earns a median $31,340 more than an LPN or LVN here ($106,500 against $75,160).

Next steps

Common questions

How much does a registered nurse make in New Jersey?

The median is $106,500 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in New Jersey earn more and half earn less.

Is New Jersey a high-paying state for registered nurses?

New Jersey ranks 7th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so New Jersey pays 9% above it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.

How many registered nurses work in New Jersey?

BLS counted 92,680 registered nurses employed in New Jersey in May 2025.

Why is the average different from the median?

The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In New Jersey the average is $110,100, $3,600 above the median.

What do you need to work as a registered nurse in New Jersey?

New Jersey requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.