Understanding Average Salary in NJ by Age: New Jersey's Earnings Landscape

2026-02-19 09:19:16

Your income potential depends heavily on geographic location and career stage. New Jersey residents experience notable earnings variations based on age group, making it crucial to understand where you stand in the state’s income hierarchy. Whether you’re starting your professional journey, in your peak earning years, or entering retirement, median income patterns in New Jersey offer valuable insights for financial planning.

According to research compiled by Scholaroo as of mid-2024, New Jersey stands out among American states for its strong wage compensation across multiple age demographics. The state consistently ranks among the top earners nationally, particularly for professionals in their prime working years (ages 25-44 and 45-64).

How Does New Jersey Compare? A State-by-State Breakdown

When examining average salary in NJ by age, New Jersey demonstrates competitive positioning within the Northeast region. The state’s median income by age exceeds many national counterparts:

Ages 15-24: $52,624 (above national average for young workers)
Ages 25-44: $106,274 (among the highest in the nation)
Ages 45-64: $117,412 (one of the strongest peaks nationally)
Ages 65+: $65,988 (solid retirement income)

Comparing these figures regionally reveals New Jersey’s economic strength. Massachusetts leads in the 25-44 bracket with $108,536 and 45-64 with $115,864, while New Jersey runs a close second in both categories. Connecticut and California also compete in this high-income tier, but New Jersey maintains consistent strength across all age groups.

New Jersey Salary Ranges Across Age Groups

The progression of earnings by age group in New Jersey tells an important story about career advancement and earning potential. Entry-level workers (15-24) earn approximately $52,624, representing solid compensation for early-career professionals compared to lower-income states like West Virginia ($27,380) and Louisiana ($34,407).

The substantial jump occurs between ages 25-44, when average salary in NJ by age increases to $106,274—more than double the entry-level figure. This 102% increase reflects career advancement, skill accumulation, and typically higher-value positions attained during peak working years.

The median income trajectory continues upward for the 45-64 age bracket, reaching $117,412, indicating that New Jersey professionals achieve their highest earning potential in their later working years. This represents an 11% increase from the previous age bracket, suggesting that experience and seniority command premium compensation in the state’s job market.

Retirement-age individuals (65+) in New Jersey report median income of $65,988, which remains relatively robust compared to national retirement income averages. This reflects a mix of Social Security benefits, pension income, and continued part-time work among some retirees.

Peak Earning Years in the Garden State

The data reveals that ages 45-64 represent the peak earning period for New Jersey residents, with the $117,412 median income figure marking the highest point in the earning lifecycle. This peak is particularly pronounced when compared to states with lower median incomes. For context, Kentucky residents in the same age bracket earn $70,914, while Maryland residents achieve $119,307.

Generation X, the age cohort predominantly occupying this 45-64 bracket, demonstrates particularly strong earnings in New Jersey. These professionals have navigated multiple economic cycles, accumulated specialized expertise, and typically occupy leadership and specialized roles that command higher compensation.

The robustness of peak earnings in New Jersey suggests strong demand for experienced professionals across industries and indicates a mature job market that values tenure and expertise.

Comparing New Jersey’s Median Income to Regional Neighbors

New Jersey’s average salary by age positions the state as an economic powerhouse in the tri-state region. New Hampshire ($101,859 for ages 25-44), New York ($92,270), and Pennsylvania ($83,481) all fall below New Jersey’s figures in the primary earning years, though Pennsylvania and New York offer competitive opportunities in specific sectors.

Among younger workers, New Jersey ($52,624) outperforms New York ($43,121) and Pennsylvania ($40,784) significantly, suggesting robust entry-level opportunities and strong compensation for early-career professionals. This advantage proves valuable for recent graduates considering relocation or career starts.

For retirement-age earners, New Jersey ($65,988) demonstrates solid positioning, competitive with neighboring states and suggesting adequate retirement income sources drawn from pensions, investments, and Social Security.

Key Takeaways: What the Salary Data Reveals

Understanding average salary in NJ by age provides essential context for financial planning, career decisions, and wage expectations. Key insights from the New Jersey median income data include:

Strong earning potential across the lifespan: New Jersey offers competitive compensation at every career stage, from entry-level positions through retirement.

Significant growth trajectory: The progression from $52,624 (ages 15-24) to $117,412 (ages 45-64) demonstrates a 124% increase over the working years, providing motivation for career development and skill-building.

Regional leadership: New Jersey consistently ranks among the nation’s highest-wage states, particularly in the critical 25-64 age brackets where earning potential is greatest.

Solid retirement positioning: Post-65 median income of $65,988 reflects relatively strong financial security in retirement years compared to many other states.

The data, sourced from Scholaroo research with accuracy confirmed as of May 2024, provides a snapshot of New Jersey’s earnings landscape. These figures represent median income across diverse industries and sectors, reflecting the state’s diverse economy spanning finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and professional services.

For individuals evaluating career prospects, planning geographic relocation, or assessing retirement readiness, New Jersey’s average salary by age data demonstrates why the state remains an economically attractive destination with competitive compensation structures across all age demographics.

Data sourced from Scholaroo analysis, accurate as of May 2024.

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