With nearly 9.3 million residents and a land area of 7,354 square miles, New Jersey has the distinction of being the most densely populated state in the country. Throw in NJ’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to grow your nursing career here.
Ready to start looking? IntelyCare can show you the latest nursing positions in NJ, whether you’re seeking full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, per diem, or travel nurse jobs in New Jersey. Learn what else you can look forward to in the Garden State.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in New Jersey
- Is NJ a compact state? Yes. Learn more about the Nurse Practice Act in this state.
- How much do nurses make in New Jersey? The average annual salaries for nursing jobs in NJ depend on your license/certification:
- NP salary in NJ: $145,030
- RN salary in NJ: $101,960
- LPN salary in NJ: $66,620
- CNA salary in NJ: $42,960
- Where can I learn more about NJ requirements for nurse licenses? Check out the New Jersey Board of Nursing for the latest information. If you need to renew soon, read our article for help with the NJ nursing license renewal process.
- What are the most populous cities to find nursing jobs in New Jersey? The top five NJ cities by population are:
- Newark
- Jersey City
- Paterson
- Lakewood Township
- Elizabeth
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Positions in NJ
Curious about your potential patient base? The New Jersey population is quite diverse. More than 24% of residents were born outside of the United States, and 33% of households speak a language other than English at home, so if you’re multilingual, be sure to feature that in your nursing resume summary.
You’ll need to provide culturally congruent care in NJ. In terms of racial and ethnic backgrounds, approximately 70.4% of residents are White, 22.7% are Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% are Black, 10.6% are Asian, 2.5% are two or more races, and .8% are American Indian. Just over 4% of the state identifies as LGBTQ+.
To help you find NJ nursing jobs that would be a good match, search for positions according to your license or certification:
- Nurse anesthetist jobs in NJ
- Nurse midwife jobs in NJ
- Nurse practitioner jobs in NJ
- RN positions in NJ
- LPN jobs in NJ
- CNA jobs in NJ
- CMA jobs in NJ
- Medication aide jobs in NJ
- Surgical tech jobs in NJ
- HHA jobs in NJ
- Caregiver jobs in NJ
Working in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the highest-paying states in the country for licensed nurses, and it employs around 438,000 people in the healthcare practitioner and healthcare support sectors. The state is home to renowned medical systems and healthcare facilities, plus its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia opens up a wealth of additional career opportunities. Check out the latest available jobs at these employers:
- AtlantiCare
- Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
- Cooper University Health Care
- Hackensack Meridian Health
- Rutgers University
- RWJBarnabas Health
- St. Joseph’s Health NJ
- University Hospital Newark
- Valley Health System
In addition, the New Jersey Department of Health has nursing positions at various psychiatric hospitals and assisted living communities. If it’s post-acute or home health jobs you’re looking for, the DOH makes it simple for you to search a comprehensive online database of facilities by county.
Your one-way commute to work in New Jersey will take around 31 minutes — a few minutes longer than the nation’s average. Around 63% of residents drive by themselves, followed by 14% of people who work from home, nearly 10% who take mass transit, and 8% who carpool. If you’re not a fan of commuting, you can explore remote nurse jobs in New Jersey.
Need a hand looking after your little ones while you’re at work? The NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development has useful resources that can help you decide on a childcare provider. There are also many pet sitters in NJ who can take care of your pets so they’re not alone while you’re on duty.
Living in New Jersey
New Jersey’s population density can make the state seem like it’s wall to wall people everywhere you go. But bustling cities like Newark, Hoboken, and Trenton are stark contrasts to the farms and orchards of New Jersey that give it its nickname of the Garden State. Depending on the season, you can indulge in freshly picked blueberries, corn, lavender, cucumbers, and Jersey’s famous tomatoes.
If you’re looking for ways to unwind in nature, start by visiting any of the 11 state forests. You can hike, bike, kayak, fish, camp, ride horses, and much more. New Jersey is also among the best birdwatching states in the country.
The Jersey Shore region is another big draw for locals and visitors alike. From the casinos and nightclubs of Atlantic City to gorgeous Victorian homes in Cape May to the live music acts that perform at the famed Stone Pony in Asbury Park, the Shore has something for everyone.
The annual climate in New Jersey depends on what part of the state you’re in. Winters are cold and occasionally snowy, and summers are warm and humid. You can expect cooler temperatures in the northwest part of NJ, and warmer temperatures everywhere else. NJ gets an average of 47.6 inches of precipitation each year.
All of these features come at a price. The cost of living in New Jersey is about 11% higher than the rest of the country, with housing and utility costs at 30% and 10% higher, respectively. On the bright side, nurses tend to earn more in NJ than in other states. The median household income in New Jersey is just shy of $100,000, compared to the national median of nearly $78,000.
Find Great Nursing Positions in NJ on IntelyCare
Start exploring the latest nursing jobs in NJ. Want more help? Find out how IntelyCare can match you with jobs in your specialty area and desired facility type.