Healthcare Recruiting
Registered Nurse Salary in New Jersey 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
Registered Nurse Salary in New Jersey (2026): City-by-City Pay Data
The average registered nurse salary in New Jersey in 2026 is $95,800/year ($46.06/hour) based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and compensation data from RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, Atlantic Health System, and other major New Jersey health systems. Salaries range significantly across the state based on city, employer, specialty unit, shift, and certifications held.
RN Salary by City in New Jersey
| City / Metro | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Newark / Essex County | $105,000 | RWJBarnabas + University Hospital, urban core premium |
| New Brunswick | $103,000 | Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital |
| Morristown | $100,000 | Atlantic Health System flagship |
| Camden | $98,000 | Cooper University Health Care + Jefferson Cherry Hill |
| Hackensack | $107,000 | Hackensack Meridian Health — largest NJ system |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in New Jersey
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $242,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $122,000 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $116,000 |
| Cardiac / Cath Lab RN | $120,000 |
| Emergency RN | $110,000 |
| NICU RN | $113,000 |
Top New Jersey Healthcare Employers for RNs
- RWJBarnabas Health
- Hackensack Meridian Health
- Atlantic Health System
- Cooper University Health
- Virtua Health
- Overlook Medical Center
- Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Compact License Status
New Jersey is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state. RNs from other states must apply for New Jersey endorsement before practicing — plan 3–8 weeks for processing.
New Jersey RN Job Market Outlook
New Jersey is not a compact state — NJBON endorsement takes 3–6 weeks. Proximity to NYC creates a blended labor market where South Jersey nurses sometimes commute to Philadelphia systems and North Jersey to NYC. NJ has a 10.75% top marginal income tax rate. Travel: $2,300–$3,000/week.
How to Maximize Your RN Salary in New Jersey
- Pursue specialty unit certification: CCRN (critical care), CEN (emergency), RNC-OB (L&D), CNOR (OR) — each adds $6,000–$15,000 at major New Jersey health systems
- Night and weekend differential: Typically +$3–$7/hr, translating to $6,000–$14,000 in annualized additional income at full-time hours
- Charge nurse role: +$2–$5/hr at most facilities; first step toward nurse manager track
- Travel or PRN status: Experienced New Jersey RNs earn 30–50% more as travelers or per-diem staff
- BSN or MSN completion: Most major New Jersey systems pay $1–$3/hr more for BSN-prepared nurses; MSN opens management and APRN pathways
Related: RN Salary by State 2026, Travel Nurse Salary Guide, ICU Nurse Salary 2026, NP Salary Guide.
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