New York vs New Jersey: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
Same metro, different tax regime. NJ licensure offers similar pay with lower state income tax.
New York
2,206
providers in directory
- Avg RN salary
- $110,490
- Avg physician salary
- $370,000
- Cost of living
- 125.9
- Top state income tax
- 10.9%
New Jersey
3,267
providers in directory
- Avg RN salary
- $106,990
- Avg physician salary
- $375,000
- Cost of living
- 114.1
- Top state income tax
- 10.75%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Providers in directory | 2,206 | 3,267 |
| Cities served | 385 | 449 |
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $110,490 | $106,990 |
| Avg physician salary | $370,000 | $375,000 |
| Cost of living (100 = US avg) | 125.9 | 114.1 |
| State income tax (top rate) | 10.9% | 10.75% |
Salary figures are approximate, drawn from public sources including BLS, Medscape, and Doximity compensation reports.
Top Cities for Providers
New Jersey
Notable Health Systems
New York
- • NewYork-Presbyterian
- • NYU Langone Health
- • Mount Sinai
- • Northwell Health
New Jersey
- • RWJBarnabas Health
- • Hackensack Meridian
- • Atlantic Health
Medical Licensure Boards
Each state has its own medical board. Check fees, required CME hours, and reciprocity before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays nurses more, New York or New Jersey?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), registered nurses in New York earn an average of $110,490, compared to $106,990 in New Jersey. The gap is roughly $3,500 per year before adjusting for cost of living.
Which state has higher physician salaries, New York or New Jersey?
Aggregated compensation data shows physicians in New Jersey earn approximately $375,000 on average, compared to $370,000 in New York. Specialty and practice setting drive much larger variations than state averages suggest.
How does the cost of living compare between New York and New Jersey?
Using the MERIC Q4 2024 cost-of-living index (100 = national average), New York is 125.9 and New Jersey is 114.1. New Jersey (114.1) is the more affordable of the two, while New York (125.9) is more expensive. Housing is typically the largest driver of these differences.
How many healthcare providers practice in New York vs. New Jersey?
The Ava Health directory lists 2,206 providers in New York across 385 cities, and 3,267 providers in New Jersey across 449 cities. All data is sourced from the CMS NPPES NPI registry and updated regularly.
Which state has a more favorable tax environment for healthcare providers?
New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.9%, while New Jersey's top rate is 10.75%. Always factor in property tax, sales tax, and local taxes before making a relocation decision — states with no income tax often offset through higher sales or property taxes.
Other State Comparisons
Florida vs Texas
Two Sun Belt giants. Texas edges ahead on physician salary; Florida wins on retiree-driven demand.
California vs Texas
The nation's two largest healthcare markets. California pays nurses the most; Texas offers lower cost of living.
California vs New York
Coast-to-coast heavyweights. Both pay top 10 nationwide — the decision often comes down to lifestyle.
Texas vs Arizona
No-state-income-tax Texas vs. high-demand Arizona. Both are fast-growing healthcare markets.
North Carolina vs Virginia
Research Triangle vs. DC metro. Different healthcare ecosystems, comparable salaries.
Washington vs Oregon
Pacific Northwest rivals. Washington has no state income tax; Oregon pays RNs among the top nationwide.