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

Project Manager Salary in New Jersey

The median project manager salary in New Jersey is $117,305 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $95,370.

Median Salary
$117,305
vs National
+$21,935
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Project Manager Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for project manager compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for project managers seeking high pay. At $117,305 per year, project managers in New Jersey earn $21,935 more than the national median of $95,370.

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 $117,305 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $102,004.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: project managers at the 10th percentile earn $69,126, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $195,693 — a $126,567 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 $129,703.

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for project managers across the country.

Project Manager Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level project manager earns around $71,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,350 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,340
+$13,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,080
+$22,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,350
+$33,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $69,126
25th Percentile $89,790
Median (50th) $117,305
75th Percentile $154,980
90th Percentile $195,693

Project Manager Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for project 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 Project Manager in New Jersey

Education

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

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% 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: Project Manager Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Project Manager make in New Jersey? ▼
The median project manager salary in New Jersey is $117,305 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $69,126 (10th percentile) to $195,693 (90th percentile).
How much does a Project Manager make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,305, a project manager in New Jersey earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for project managers? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for project manager pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level project managers earn $71,340, while senior professionals earn $178,350.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for project manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for project managers is Hawaii at $162,129. New Jersey's median of $117,305 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($127,796) and Alaska ($118,259).
What is the entry-level project manager salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level project manager in New Jersey earns approximately $71,340 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $118,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $178,350.
What city in New Jersey pays project managers the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for project managers, with a median salary of $129,703. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.