New Jersey Teacher Salary

Average and starting teacher pay in New Jersey for 2024-25, ranked among all states.

New Jersey teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in New Jersey earned $84,974, according to NEA. That ranks 9th among the 50 states and D.C. and is $10,479 above the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $82,877, so pay changed by 2.5%.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in New Jersey at $58,727, which ranks 4th of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

New JerseyUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$84,974$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$82,877$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$58,727$48,112
Average salary rank9 of 51
Starting salary rank4 of 51

States close to New Jersey in the ranking

Maryland (7th, $87,409), Rhode Island (8th, $85,772), Oregon (10th, $81,657), Alaska (11th, $81,450). See all states ranked or compare New Jersey with another state.

Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average teacher salary in New Jersey?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $84,974 in New Jersey for 2024-25, which ranks 9th of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).

What is the starting teacher salary in New Jersey?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $58,727 in New Jersey for 2024-25, ranking 4th of 51.

How does New Jersey compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. New Jersey is $10,479 above it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and New Jersey is $10,615 above.

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