Retail & Sales New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Retail Manager Salary in New Jersey

The median retail manager salary in New Jersey is $57,960 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $50,400.

Median Salary
$57,960
vs National
+$7,560
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Retail Manager Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for retail manager compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for retail managers seeking high pay. At $57,960 per year, retail managers in New Jersey earn $7,560 more than the national median of $50,400.

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 $57,960 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $50,400.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: retail managers at the 10th percentile earn $34,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $105,800 — a $71,300 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 $64,512.

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for retail managers across the country.

Retail Manager Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level retail manager earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,750 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
+$4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,800
+$7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,750
+$12,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $34,500
25th Percentile $43,700
Median (50th) $57,960
75th Percentile $80,500
90th Percentile $105,800

Retail Manager Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for retail 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 Retail Manager in New Jersey

Education

Most retail manager positions require a high school diploma. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Retail ManagementSalesInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceStaff TrainingVisual Merchandising

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Retail Manager Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Retail Manager make in New Jersey? ▼
The median retail manager salary in New Jersey is $57,960 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $50,400. Salaries range from $34,500 (10th percentile) to $105,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Retail Manager make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,960, a retail manager in New Jersey earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for retail managers? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for retail manager pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level retail managers earn $36,800, while senior professionals earn $97,750.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for retail manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for retail managers is Hawaii at $85,680. New Jersey's median of $57,960 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($62,496) and New York ($61,488).
What is the entry-level retail manager salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level retail manager in New Jersey earns approximately $36,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $97,750.
What city in New Jersey pays retail managers the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for retail managers, with a median salary of $64,512. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.