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Registered Nurse Salary in Newark, NJ β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Newark's cost of living (index: 140). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Newark β€” Key Numbers

$120,498
Median Salary
$96,446
25th Percentile
$150,766
75th Percentile
$185,752
90th Percentile
National median (Registered Nurse)$86,070
vs. National median+40.0%
Newark median household income$37,200
vs. City household income+223.9%

Cost of Living in Newark

Cost of Living Index
140(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,800/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio17.9%
Annual rent cost$21,600
Median Home Price$395,000
Home Price / Salary3.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$79,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.3 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 Newark

6.1%
Unemployment Rate
310,000
Metro Population
33 min
Avg Commute
33.4
Median Age

Newark has a metro population of 310,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 6.1% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Registered Nurse Salary β€” Other New Jersey Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Newark, NJ?

The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in Newark is $120,498 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by Newark's cost of living index (140). The typical salary range runs from $96,446 (25th percentile) to $150,766 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $185,752.

Is Newark affordable for a Registered Nurse?

On a $120,498 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in Newark would spend approximately 17.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,800/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Newark relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $395,000 is 3.3Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Registered Nurse's salary compare to Newark's overall income?

Newark's median household income is $37,200. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $120,498 earns 223.9% more than the typical Newark household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.