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Military Enlisted Salary in Trenton, NJ β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Trenton's cost of living (index: 103). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Trenton β€” Key Numbers

$42,230
Median Salary
$30,385
25th Percentile
$58,504
75th Percentile
$76,220
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median+3.0%
Trenton median household income$62,000
vs. City household income-31.9%

Cost of Living in Trenton

Cost of Living Index
103(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,300/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio36.9%
Annual rent cost$15,600
Median Home Price$270,000
Home Price / Salary6.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$54,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Trenton

5.2%
Unemployment Rate
380,000
Metro Population
28 min
Avg Commute
35.6
Median Age

Trenton has a metro population of 380,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other New Jersey Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Trenton, NJ?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Trenton is $42,230 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Trenton's cost of living index (103). The typical salary range runs from $30,385 (25th percentile) to $58,504 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $76,220.

Is Trenton affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $42,230 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Trenton would spend approximately 36.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,300/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Trenton may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $270,000 is 6.4Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Trenton's overall income?

Trenton's median household income is $62,000. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $42,230 earns 31.9% less than the typical Trenton household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Trenton has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.