Elementary School Teacher Salary in New Jersey
Based on 40K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$78,200
$37.60/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
+14.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $105K
40K employed in New Jersey
The median Elementary School Teacher salary in New Jersey stands at a robust $78,200 per year, significantly exceeding the national average by 15%. This competitive compensation reflects the state's commitment to its educators, with approximately 40,300 individuals employed in this vital role. The salary range for these professionals falls between $61,840 and $105,480, indicating substantial earning potential within the profession.
Several factors influence the Elementary School Teacher salary in New Jersey. Experience levels, district funding, and the specific school's location within the state all play a crucial role in determining an individual's compensation. Further considerations include advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and the presence of union negotiations, all of which can impact the overall salary package.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,840 |
| 25th percentile | $64,060 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,200 |
| 75th percentile | $98,670 |
| 90th percentile | $105,480 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in New Jersey tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,360 |
| 2023 | $78,360 |
| 2024 | $77,150 |
| 2025 | $78,200 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,264 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,360 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $78,360 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $77,150 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $78,200 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,264 | $69,104 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,060 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,200 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,670 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $105,480 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Elementary School Teacher ($78,200 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in NJ | $96,090 | +22.9% | $46.20/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NJ | $82,200 | +5.1% | $39.52/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in NJ | $78,770 | +0.7% | $37.87/hr |
| Librarian in NJ | $78,380 | +0.2% | $37.68/hr |
| School Counselor in NJ | $77,910 | -0.4% | $37.46/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in NJ | $74,210 | -5.1% | $35.68/hr |
| Tutor in NJ | $53,780 | -31.2% | $25.86/hr |
| Plumber in NJ | $78,240 | +0.1% | $37.62/hr |
| Electrician in NJ | $77,250 | -1.2% | $37.14/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in NJ | $79,210 | +1.3% | $38.08/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in NJ | $77,020 | -1.5% | $37.03/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in NJ | $80,130 | +2.5% | $38.52/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an elementary school teacher make in New Jersey?
- The median salary for an elementary school teacher in New Jersey is $78,200 per year, which breaks down to about $38 per hour. Most teachers in New Jersey earn between $61,840 and $105,480 annually.
What is the salary range for elementary school teachers in New Jersey?
- The salary range for elementary school teachers in New Jersey is quite broad, with most earning from $61,840 to $105,480 per year. The median salary sits at $78,200 annually.
Is the salary for elementary school teachers in New Jersey higher than the national average?
- Yes, elementary school teachers in New Jersey earn 14.7% more than the national average. The median salary of $78,200 per year in New Jersey significantly surpasses the national median.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in New Jersey?
- There are approximately 40,300 elementary school teachers employed in New Jersey. This large number reflects the significant demand for educators in the state's school system.