Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in New Jersey (Inc Salaries)

Stephen Ramotowski
November 20, 2024 · 10 min read

If you are looking for a high paying career, New Jersey offers some of the highest-paying jobs with often a six figure salary.

Ask people what New Jersey is famous for and most would be left doing some serious head scratching. Some may say the Atlantic City casino complex, others the Jersey Shore, delve a little deeper and others will tell you that it is the birthplace of the famous rock star Bruce Springsteen. But there is far more to this state than that.

New Jersey earns its moniker "The Garden State" with a bounty of botanical delights, a distinction that resonates widely. However, the state boasts an abundance of both natural and man-made marvels.

Some immediately recognizable features include its vibrant casinos and the iconic Jersey City boardwalk. Notably, New Jersey has been home to illustrious figures like Frank Sinatra. Yet, its appeal extends far beyond celebrity associations.

From picturesque state parks and pristine beaches to dynamic urban hubs brimming with activity, New Jersey offers a diverse array of attractions.

With its rich historical significance and breathtaking natural landscapes, New Jersey holds a unique allure. Whether you're planning a visit or contemplating a move, here are eight standout features that make the Garden State unforgettable. And, you can make a good living working there too as it is home to some of the highest paying jobs according to ziprecruiter and indeed.com across the USA. such as a software engineer, accountant, or a cyber security expert.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in New Jersey (Inc Salaries)

1) Surgeon

A surgeon is a medical professional who specializes in performing surgical procedures to treat injuries, diseases, or conditions. Surgeons undergo extensive training, including medical school followed by residency programs focused on surgical techniques and patient care.

They may specialize in specific areas such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, or general surgery, among others and generally work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care. Their primary duties and responsibilities are to improve patients' health and well-being through surgical interventions.

The average annual salary for a surgeon in New Jersey is $478,036 making it one of the highest-paying jobs in new jersey.

2) Physician

A physician is a medical professional who is trained and licensed to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses and injuries in patients. They undergo extensive education and training, typically including completion of medical school followed by residency programs in a specific field of medicine and may specialize in areas such as internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, psychiatry, surgery, or various medical subspecialties working in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community health centers.

The average annual salary for a physician in New Jersey is $155,580 making it one of the top jobs in NJ that you need a degree for.

3) Dentist

A dentist is a skilled healthcare professional dedicated to maintaining and improving the oral health of individuals. Trained extensively in dentistry, they specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing various conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth and their expertise encompasses a wide range of services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, and treatments for gum disease.

Their responsibilities and duties include enhancing the appearance of smiles, such as teeth whitening and dental veneers. With their knowledge and compassion, dentists play a crucial role in promoting overall well-being by ensuring healthy teeth and gums for their patients.

The average annual salary for a dentist in New Jersey is $216,510 making it one of the 25 highest paying jobs available in new jersey.

4) Network Architect

A network architect is a professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex computer networks for organizations. Their primary role involves creating comprehensive network infrastructure plans that meet the specific needs and goals of the business or institution and they do this by analyzing current network systems, assess future requirements, and develop strategies to optimize network performance, reliability, and security.

The full job description includes them working closely with internal and external stakeholders, including IT teams, management, and end-users, to understand organizational objectives and ensure that network solutions align with business objectives.

The average annual salary for a network architect in New Jersey is $151,254 making it one of the top jobs in new jersey for 2024.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level?

Nexford's Career Path Planner takes into account your experience and interests to provide you with a customized roadmap to success.

Receive personalized advice on the skills and qualifications you need to get ahead in areas like finance, marketing, management and entrepreneurship.

Take the quiz to get started now!

5) Medical Manager

A medical manager, often referred to as a healthcare administrator, is a key figure responsible for the efficient and effective operation of medical facilities and healthcare organizations that help administer treatment and charting medical records. With a blend of healthcare expertise and managerial skills, plus a license to practice medicine, they oversee various administrative aspects to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care and their responsibilities encompass financial management, human resources, facility operations, quality improvement initiatives, strategic planning, and compliance with healthcare regulations.

They also play a vital role in optimizing resource allocation, maintaining regulatory compliance, fostering staff development, and enhancing patient satisfaction. By overseeing the administrative functions of healthcare facilities, medical managers contribute significantly to the overall success and effectiveness of healthcare delivery systems.

The average annual salary for a medical manager in New Jersey is $105,559 making it one of the top tier of commonly found positions in New Jersey according to the department of labor.

6) Statistician

A statistician is a skilled professional adept in the principles of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data. Employing advanced mathematical and statistical techniques, they work across diverse domains such as economics, healthcare, social sciences, and beyond and their primary objective is to distill complex data sets into meaningful insights, aiding in informed decision-making and problem-solving.

Generally they design surveys, experiments, and models to gather and analyze data, uncovering patterns, trends, and relationships that drive understanding and prediction and their expertise is indispensable in research, quality control, policy formulation, and various fields where data-driven decision-making is paramount.

The average annual salary for a statistician in New Jersey is $119,948 making it one of the high paying NJ jobs in 2024 with a college degree or an associate degree.

7) Vice President

The vice president of a company is a senior executive responsible for overseeing specific areas of operations or departments within the organization. Reporting directly to the president or CEO, the these high-powered executives pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic direction and achieving its goals.

Their duties may vary depending on the organization's size and structure, but typically encompass leadership, decision-making, and resource management within their designated area of responsibility. They often collaborate with other executives, department heads, and stakeholders to develop and implement business strategies, drive growth initiatives, and ensure operational efficiency.

The average annual salary for a vice president in New Jersey is $165,222 making it one of the high paying jobs available in the USA in 2024.

8) Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a high-ranking executive within a company, typically reporting directly to the CEO or president. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the organization to ensure smooth and efficient business processes and their role involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance management across various departments such as finance, human resources, marketing, and operations. He/she works closely with other members of the executive team to develop and implement business strategies, optimize workflows, and drive organizational growth.

The average annual salary for a chief operating officer in New Jersey is $538,079 and it sits at the top 25 of the highest paying jobs in New Jersey in 2024 and as such is in the upper quadrant of annual salaries.

9) Economist

An economist is a professional who studies and analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within economies. Through the application of economic theories, principles, and quantitative methods, they seek to understand how individuals, businesses, governments, and societies make decisions regarding resource allocation and examine factors such as supply and demand, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policies, international trade, and economic growth to provide insights into economic trends and phenomena.

As a rule of thumb they economists often work in various settings, including academia, government agencies, financial institutions, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations, where they conduct research, develop economic models, and provide recommendations to policymakers, businesses, and the public.

The average annual salary for an economist in New Jersey is $142,600 making it one of the new high paying jobs in New Jersey that require a degree.

10) Network Security Engineer

A network security engineer is a specialized IT professional responsible for safeguarding an organization's computer networks and systems from cyber threats and unauthorized access. They design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect data, networks, and information systems and often conduct regular security assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to mitigate risks.

As a rule of thumb, network security engineers configure and manage firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, VPNs, and other security technologies to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of network resources. Additionally, they monitor network traffic, investigate security incidents, and respond to cybersecurity breaches promptly.

The average annual salary for a network security engineer in New Jersey is $126,157 making it one of the highest average new jersey jobs, putting it in the upper quadrant annual salaries in New Jersey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pursuit of high-paying jobs in New Jersey proves to be a lucrative endeavor with numerous compelling benefits. Firstly, New Jersey boasts a robust economy, offering a diverse range of industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, thereby providing ample opportunities for lucrative employment.

Secondly, the state's strategic location near major metropolitan areas like New York City enhances job prospects and access to a vibrant professional network. Additionally, New Jersey offers competitive salaries and benefits packages, enabling individuals to enjoy a high standard of living and financial stability. Moreover, the state prioritizes education and innovation, fostering a conducive environment for career growth and advancement.

Ready to take your career to new heights and unlock greater earning potential? You might want to consider expanding your skillset with a BBA or an MBA at an internationally recognized university such as Nexford where learners come out with no student loan debt. Equipping yourself with advanced business knowledge and leadership skills can not only positions you as a valuable asset within your organization but also opens doors to lucrative opportunities for promotions and pay rises.

FAQs

What is the highest paying job within New Jersey in 2024?

This would almost be like asking how long a piece of string is, but the figures don't lie. The highest paying job in New Jersey by a country mile is that of a chief operating officer. A person that makes this their vocation can expect to earn on average salary per year of $538,079.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which New Jersey jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Jersey had 211,000 job openings in January 2024, compared to 221,000 openings in December. In addition, employment rose in 14 of the 15 large counties.

What is the best career path in New Jersey in 2024?

It all depends on what you are looking for. Money? Job satisfaction? Regardless of which of those two you choose, experts would agree that the best career path in New Jersey in 2024 is that of a mental health technician where there is 1,425 jobs available per 1 million total jobs.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying New Jersey jobs?

They always say pick the skills to acquire that closely or exactly matches the job at hand, but as a whole, the top skills or expertise that you will need to acquire to earn the big bucks in New Jersey are computer programming, communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and problem-solving.

Learn how to develop the most in-demand skills for your future career!

Discover how you can acquire the most in-demand skills with our free report, and open the doors to a successful career. 

Download the free report today!

What qualifications are required for high paying New Jersey jobs?

Most high-paying jobs in New Jersey require at least a bachelor’s degree, with some needing an advanced degree such as an MBA to specialize.

Why is it beneficial to gain a BBA/MBA degree to gain a high paying job in New Jersey?

Any undergraduate degree, but most especially an MBA, will add different benefits to a career in New Jersey. MBA degrees are the standard job qualification for many business and management positions, but for higher paid entry level jobs, a BBA is the way to go.


Ready to take your career to new heights and unlock greater earning potential? You might want to consider expanding your skillset with a BBA or an MBA at an internationally recognized university such as Nexford where learners come out with no student loan debt. Equipping yourself with advanced business knowledge and leadership skills can not only positions you as a valuable asset within your organization but also opens doors to lucrative opportunities for promotions and pay rises.

About the author
Stephen Ramotowski
Stephen Ramotowski

Join our newsletter and be the first to receive news about our programs, events and articles.