Explore NJ MBA Careers and Average Annual Salaries for workers – NorthJersey.com

Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

New Jersey Ranks Fifth in Cost of Living, Healthcare Jobs Top Pay Scale

New Jersey residents may need to dig a little deeper into their pockets as the state has been ranked the fifth-highest in terms of cost of living in the United States. Coming in after New York, California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii, the state’s high cost of living is likely to impact residents’ finances.

With an average salary of $58,333 per year or $28 per hour, New Jersey workers earn a decent income. However, the median income in the state is even higher at $89,703. It is worth noting that these figures include salaried positions.

For those earning an hourly wage without a salary, the average rate is $19.47 per hour. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the rates can range from as low as $9.10 per hour to as high as $36.14 per hour.

When it comes to high-paying jobs in New Jersey, many of them are found in the medical field. Cardiovascular surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, and doctors of nurse anesthesia practice rank among the top earners in the state. However, lucrative positions can also be found outside of healthcare. Law partners, vice presidents of global supply chain, and chief legal officers also make the list of high-paying jobs.

While higher-paying positions often require a college degree, there are still opportunities for well-paid and fulfilling careers without one. Some jobs in New Jersey that don’t require a degree include entrepreneurship, life coaching, real estate agency, sales directing, and commercial piloting.

On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest-paying jobs in New Jersey include counter attendants in cafeterias, food concessions, and coffee shops. Shampooers, automotive and watercraft service attendants, dishwashers, and combined food preparation and serving workers, including those in fast food, also fall into this category.

According to ZipRecruiter, the most popular jobs in New Jersey vary. This highlights the diverse range of opportunities available to job seekers in the state.

As New Jersey’s cost of living continues to rise, residents may need to carefully consider their career choices and the potential income each industry offers. Whether pursuing a career in healthcare, law, or entrepreneurship, it’s important to align one’s passions and interests with the earning potential of the chosen field.