What is the average teacher salary in New Jersey?

The average public-school teacher salary in New Jersey is approximately $76,000 per year (source: New Jersey Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does New Jersey teacher pay compare to the national average?

New Jersey teachers earn about 11% above the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do New Jersey teachers get paid during the summer?

Most New Jersey districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in New Jersey?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across New Jersey.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in New Jersey?

Yes. Almost every New Jersey district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in New Jersey

New Jersey teachers earn an average of $76,000 per year — 11% above the national average.

$76,000State Average

$47,500Entry-Level (BS)

#7National Rank

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New Jersey Teacher Salary Overview

$47,500Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$76,000Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▲ New Jersey teachers earn 11% more than the national average (+$7,531)

How New Jersey Teacher Salaries Work

New Jersey has the seventh-highest average teacher salary in the nation. Salaries are negotiated locally. Bergen County districts (Glen Ridge, Westwood, Pascack Valley) and Morris County districts consistently offer some of the highest teacher salaries nationally. Urban districts like Newark and Jersey City also offer competitive pay.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

New Jersey has among the most robust teacher pension and benefits systems in the nation. The TPAF (Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund) provides defined-benefit pensions, significantly adding to total compensation.

Top Hiring Districts in New Jersey

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Sparta Township Public School District137 open positions Wayne Township Public School District128 open positions Irvington Public School District105 open positions Perth Amboy Public School District100 open positions West Essex Regional School District90 open positions North Plainfield School District85 open positions East Windsor Regional School District77 open positions Freehold Regional High School District72 open positions Roselle Public School District70 open positions South Orange-Maplewood School District68 open positions

6,418 total open positions across New Jersey school districts.

Browse All New Jersey Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

New Jersey ranks #7 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in New Jersey?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid New Jersey teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

New Jersey Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in New Jersey — apply directly on district sites.

View New Jersey jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: New Jersey Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the New Jersey Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in New Jersey

What is the average teacher salary in New Jersey?: The average public-school teacher salary in New Jersey is approximately $76,000 per year (source: New Jersey Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does New Jersey teacher pay compare to the national average?: New Jersey teachers earn about 11% above the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.
Do New Jersey teachers get paid during the summer?: Most New Jersey districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.
What's the highest-paying school district in New Jersey?: Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across New Jersey.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in New Jersey?: Yes. Almost every New Jersey district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.