New Jersey Teacher Salaries

If you're thinking about becoming a New Jersey teacher, don't let the ongoing debate over the state's education budget alarm you: New Jersey teacher salaries were the fifth highest in the nation in 2009-2010, according to the National Education Association. Averaging $64,809, annual salaries for teachers in New Jersey are nearly $10,000 higher than the national average.

Being a teacher is, of course, a demanding job, requiring at least a bachelor's degree, teacher training, and a passing score on certification exams just to get started. And most prospective teachers know that dealing with students in the classroom requires patience and energy. Fortunately, teachers usually receive benefits over and above their base salary, such as a competitive pension plan and good health insurance—not to mention over two months off in the summer to "recharge your batteries."

New Jersey teacher salaries have excellent growth potential too. If you earn a master's degree, for instance, your earnings will typically shoot up by at least $3,200 a year compared to teachers who only have a bachelor's degree.⁽¹⁾ Also, the more years of teaching experience you have under your belt, the more you'll earn as a teacher in New Jersey.

However, salaries do vary widely between regions and school districts within the state, depending on cost of living and local budgets, among other factors. Here are average secondary school teacher salaries for selected cities in New Jersey, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009:

• Camden: $62,970
• Edison/New Brunswick: $63,350
• Newark: $67,290
• Trenton/Ewing: $64,170
• Vineland/Millville/Bridgeton: $58,620

If you're interested in becoming a New Jersey teacher, Teacher World offers you information on bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and top teacher training programs.

Source:
(1) "N.J. teacher salaries debate continues amid Gov. Christie's school aid cuts." NJ.com