Elementary School Teacher Salary in Jersey City, NJ: $99,529 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Jersey City, NJ earns a median $99,529/year (≈ $47.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Jersey City's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $86,397 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 33.7% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an elementary school teacher in Jersey City, NJ earns a median annual salary of $99,529, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597, reflecting a competitive local market for educators. Salaries in the area range from $69,835 at the lower end (P10) to $154,270 at the high end (P90). These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the importance of educational attainment and experience in determining compensation. Teachers with advanced degrees, such as a master's or additional credentials, typically occupy higher salary tiers within the district’s step-and-lane system, enhancing their earning potential. This robust salary structure makes the Jersey City market an attractive option for prospective teachers looking to advance their careers while also considering the city’s higher-than-average cost of living.
About the Jersey City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,835 | $33.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,250 | $41.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,529 | $47.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,397 | $61.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,270 | $74.17 |
Median Salary Position
54.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jersey City
In Jersey City, NJ, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,435 (2026 est.). At $99,529, the local median is 54.08% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jersey City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jersey City Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Jersey City median: $99,529/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jersey City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,442 | +33.70% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +54.08% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $99,529 per year (2026 est.), which is 54.08% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 33.70% above the New Jersey state average of $74,442.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jersey City has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jersey City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,529 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $86,397 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,938
2025 BLS Actual
$98,563
2026 Current Est.
$99,529
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,938 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,894 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,116 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,968 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,563 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,529 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,504 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jersey City metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $91,938 (2019) to $98,563 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,504 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,566 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jersey City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,835 – $86,250 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,250 – $99,529 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,529 – $127,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,397 – $154,270 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Jersey City
Employment opportunities for elementary school teachers in Jersey City stand at 42, reflecting a stable local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, educators need to navigate the economic landscape carefully to maximize their earnings. Among the different educational institutions, K-12 public school districts generally offer the most competitive pay compared to private and charter schools, like KIPP, that may provide unique stipends for specialized teaching roles in high-demand areas such as special education or STEM subjects. Factors contributing to variations in teacher salaries include the step-and-lane scale, additional stipends for specialized positions, and factors like National Board Certification. Understanding these elements can empower educators to negotiate effectively and pursue higher salary opportunities within Jersey City’s educational framework.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $98,563 for elementary school teachersin the Jersey City metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jersey City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov