Healthcare Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Registered Nurse Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median registered nurse salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $91,779 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 5.8% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$91,779
vs State Avg
$-5,685
vs National
+$10,559
Cost of Living
108%

Registered Nurse Pay in Elizabeth: What to Expect (2026)

Elizabeth offers a median registered nurse salary of $91,779, which is $5,685 below the New Jersey state average of $97,464. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Elizabeth spans from $64,862 at the 10th percentile to $136,504 at the 90th percentile — a $71,642 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,540, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $129,950. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $65,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,540
+$7,540 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,660
+$10,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,950
+$14,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $64,862
25th Percentile $75,484
Median (50th) $91,779
75th Percentile $114,243
90th Percentile $136,504

Registered Nurse Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$108,023
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$97,464
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$95,027
Pop. 311,549
Paterson, NJ
$89,342
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Elizabeth

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Elizabeth and the surrounding New Jersey area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Elizabeth may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open registered nurse positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $91,779 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $64,862 (10th percentile) to $136,504 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,779, a registered nurse in Elizabeth earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median registered nurse salary of $91,779 is 5.8% below the New Jersey state average of $97,464. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $91,779 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Elizabeth? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Elizabeth require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.