New Jersey RN Salary 2026 (BLS Data + Cost-of-Living Adjustment)
Last reviewed: by Jayson Minagawa, BSN, RN
What RNs earn in New Jersey
The mean Registered Nurse salary in New Jersey is $92,920 per year, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics (BLS OES) state-level data. This figure represents the mean across all RN roles, levels of experience, and shift types — including bedside, charge, specialty, and supervisory positions. RN starting wages typically run 70-80% of the mean (~$69,690) and senior or specialty positions reach 130-150% of the mean (~$130,087).
Cost-of-living adjusted purchasing power
New Jersey's Regional Price Parity (RPP) per the BEA is 110.4 (national average = 100). This means the cost of goods and services in New Jersey is 10.4% higher than the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the New Jersey RN mean of $92,920 is equivalent to $84,167 in national-average purchasing power. This is the number to use when comparing offers across states — a $90,000 offer in New Jersey (110.4 RPP) does not buy the same quality of life as $90,000 in a state with RPP 110.
State income tax burden
New Jersey state income tax: graduated to 10.75%. State income tax materially reduces take-home; factor it into any cross-state comparison. Federal tax brackets apply uniformly. FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%) is ~7.65% across all states. The agency-vs-staff calculator and pay calculator on this site account for both federal and state tax.
Top New Jersey metros for RN employment
Newark, Jersey City are the largest RN employment markets in New Jersey. Metro-level wages typically run 5-15% above the state mean in major metros and 5-10% below in rural areas. Magnet-designated hospitals (recognized by ANCC for nursing excellence) pay 8-12% more than non-magnet for the same position.
Shift differential and premium pay
Most New Jersey hospitals offer shift differential for nights ($2-7/hr typically), weekends ($1-3/hr), holidays ($1-3/hr or time-and-a-half), and charge nurse roles ($2-5/hr). Use the Shift Differential Calculator to estimate your full-cycle compensation including these premiums.