Teacher (K-12) Salary in Jersey City, NJ: $78,963 (2026)

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $78,963, which is $8,019 above the New Jersey state average of $70,944. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $78,963 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,690. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Jersey City spans from $52,992 at the 10th percentile to $129,280 at the 90th percentile — a $76,288 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,760, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,760. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,760

+$11,760 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$79,360

+$17,360 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$117,760

+$25,760 vs national

Percentile	Jersey City	NJ State	National
10th Percentile	$52,992	$47,610	$41,400
25th Percentile	$62,464	$56,120	$48,800
Median (50th)	$78,963	$70,944	$61,690
75th Percentile	$101,376	$91,080	$79,200
90th Percentile	$129,280	$116,150	$101,000

Percentile

Jersey City

10th Percentile

$52,992

25th Percentile

$62,464

Median (50th)

$78,963

75th Percentile

$101,376

90th Percentile

$129,280

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Jersey City

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Jersey City and the surrounding New Jersey area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Jersey City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $78,963 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $52,992 (10th percentile) to $129,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Jersey City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $78,963, a teacher (k-12) in Jersey City earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼

Jersey City's median teacher (k-12) salary of $78,963 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $70,944. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼

Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $78,963 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Jersey City? ▼

Most teacher (k-12) positions in Jersey City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey