Business & Finance New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Human Resources Manager Salary in New Jersey

The median human resources manager salary in New Jersey is $159,900 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $130,000.

Median Salary
$159,900
vs National
+$29,900
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Human Resources Manager Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for human resources manager compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for human resources managers seeking high pay. At $159,900 per year, human resources managers in New Jersey earn $29,900 more than the national median of $130,000.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $159,900 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $139,043.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: human resources managers at the 10th percentile earn $96,186, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $255,840 — a $159,654 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $176,800.

Nationally, human resources manager employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for human resources managers across the country.

Human Resources Manager Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $79,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,950 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,950
+$14,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,150
+$24,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,950
+$37,950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $96,186
25th Percentile $124,230
Median (50th) $159,900
75th Percentile $205,410
90th Percentile $255,840

Human Resources Manager Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for human resources managers in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in New Jersey

Education

Most human resources manager positions require a bachelor's degree. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, human resources manager employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in New Jersey? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in New Jersey is $159,900 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $96,186 (10th percentile) to $255,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $159,900, a human resources manager in New Jersey earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for human resources managers? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for human resources manager pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level human resources managers earn $79,950, while senior professionals earn $202,950.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for human resources manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for human resources managers is Hawaii at $221,000. New Jersey's median of $159,900 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($174,200) and Alaska ($161,200).
What is the entry-level human resources manager salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level human resources manager in New Jersey earns approximately $79,950 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $129,150. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $202,950.
What city in New Jersey pays human resources managers the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for human resources managers, with a median salary of $176,800. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.