Journeying through the range of business administration salaries in New Jersey reveals a diverse and dynamic employment landscape. In this comprehensive exploration, we will dissect median salaries and salary ranges for key roles, examine influential factors, spotlight prominent employers, clarify education requirements and address cost of living considerations unique to the Garden State.
Snapshot of business administration salaries and employment in New Jersey
There are roughly 64,680 people employed as general and operations managers in New Jersey says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour in NJ is $72, making it the highest-paying state for operations and general managers, and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 5.8%.
New Jersey's economy thrives on diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, finance and telecommunications. The proximity to major metropolitan areas such as New York City, combined with a skilled workforce, contributes to the state's economic resilience. Here are just a few of the top employers for business administration degree-holders in the state:
Johnson & Johnson:
New Brunswick, NJ. A global pharmaceutical giant headquartered in New Jersey, J&J offers a myriad of opportunities in business administration.
Rahway, NJ. With a significant presence in the pharmaceutical industry, Merck is a key employer for those in leadership and operational roles.
Verizon:
Basking Ridge, NJ. The telecommunications giant offers opportunities in various facets of business administration, including management and supply chain.
Rutgers University Campuses:
New Brunswick–Camden–Newark, NJ. Rutgers is a renowned educational institution with extensive administrative needs, creating employment opportunities for business administrators.
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Business administration salaries in NJ: A quick view
While the median salary for business administration professionals—a category that includes careers in management, sales, marketing and a number of other business fields—is just over $76,850 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live and the cost of living, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education.
Salaries for different business administrator roles in New Jersey
Entrepreneurs:
New Jersey's entrepreneurial scene shows promise, with median salaries ranging from $65,000 to $150,000 for these visionaries. Success and industry influence significantly impact the earning potential, making it an exciting yet challenging field.
Leadership roles:
High-ranking executives in New Jersey command robust salaries, with median figures starting around $110,000 and soaring past $200,000 for influential leadership positions. The state's diverse industries contribute to the variance in compensation.
Operations and general managers:
The backbone of businesses, operations and general managers in New Jersey typically earn median salaries ranging from $75,000 to $110,000, reflecting the state's economic strength and business scale.
Supply chain managers:
Navigating the intricate logistics landscape, supply chain managers in New Jersey enjoy median salaries between $85,000 and $105,000. The flourishing industries contribute to the demand for skilled professionals in this role.
Median business administration salary in New Jersey
The median annual salary for general and operations managers in New Jersey is $149,990 cites the BLS. That wage is well over the national median for the country and places NJ in the number one spot for highest paying state for these managers. And, Newark ranks number one, along with New York, NY and Jersey City, PA, for highest employment levelfor operations managers says the BLS.
General and Operations Managers
10%$72,300
25%$99,990
50%$149,990Median
75%$220,820
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$72
Job growth5.8%
Total Employment63,940
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Trenton-Princeton, NJ
$160,460
$80,630
N/A
Vineland, NJ
$123,610
$65,670
N/A
Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ
$114,230
$64,860
N/A
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2033. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
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Salary range for a business administration career in NJ
The salary range for general and operations professionals in New Jersey typically spans from $72,300 to well over $220,820 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within New Jersey
Your salary may depend upon where you live within the state. For example, Trenton and may pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, like Newark or New Brunswick, which are large financial and pharmaceutical centers, pay may be more competitive. Here are top metro areas for general and operations managers salary per the BLS. As you can see, Trenton ranks at #2 for highest paying metro area for general and operations managers, and Newark takes the #5 spot, along with New York City and Jersey City, PA:
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$162,480
Trenton-Princeton, NJ
$160,460
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$152,090
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$151,420
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
$149,260
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$141,280
Sioux Falls, SD-MN
$138,940
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT
$135,210
Huntsville, AL
$133,750
Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT
$132,880
Factors affecting business administrator salary in New Jersey
Industry type, experience, education and location play pivotal roles in determining salaries in New Jersey's competitive job market. Thriving sectors such as pharmaceuticals and finance often offer higher compensation, while advanced qualifications enhance earning potential.
Experience level:
Experience is a key component of salary level. Operations and general managers with longevity in the field and the ready knowledge that goes with it may receive higher compensation, reflecting their expertise in navigating challenges.
Geographical location:
As you know, the specific area in New Jersey where you work can influence salaries. Urban centers like Trenton and Newark offer higher salaries due to the concentration of major industries.
Industry specialization:
New Jersey telecommunications, education and financial sectors impact salaries. Professionals in sectors with higher demands or complexities often command higher compensation.
Company size:
The size of company is a crucial factor. Larger corporations, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare, may offer higher salaries for management and leadership roles.
Economic conditions:
Keeping abreast of economic trends and industry developments in New Jersey ensures that business administrators are informed properly to navigate an ever-changing landscape.
How can I know if my business administrator salary is fair in New Jersey?
Additionally, tapping into professional networks and industry benchmarks aids in negotiating equitable pay.
Here are some actions to consider if you have questions or concerns about your pay:
Utilize salary surveys, such as those on Indeed, the BLS or Payscale to research average compensation for your role in your geographic area.
Familiarize yourself with your company's policies on compensation and benefits. Understand how performance reviews and salary adjustments are handled within the organization.
Ask your supervisor or HR manager to clarify pay scales, job titles and how they work. Speak up if you think there is a discrepancy in your pay compared to someone else doing the same job.
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Education for business administration roles in New Jersey
A bachelor's degree is typically the entry point for business administration positions in New Jersey. However, aspiring professionals can elevate their career prospects with advanced degrees, such as an MBA, aligning with the state's commitment to educational excellence.
Many MBA and master's degree programs are available online so you can continue your studies while you work. And, you may want to consider attending Rutgers Business School, which is located on both the Newark and New Brunswick campuses, as it offers graduate and undergraduate business administration courses.
Cost of living considerations for New Jersey
Navigating New Jersey's cost of living, notably in urban centers like Newark, involves factoring in housing, transportation and healthcare costs. Job seekers should negotiate salaries with these considerations in mind to ensure financial comfort.
Specifically, New Jersey's cost of living is, on average 13% higher than the national average—with housing around 31% higher and healthcare at 5% lower than the national average, says RentCafe.
RentCafe tracks cost of living against the national average for four cities in New Jersey:
City in NJ
Cost of living percentage
Newark
20% higher
Vineland
4% lower
Morristown
11% higher
Middlesex
14% higher
New Jersey professional business associations
Professional associations have value for business administration professionals, especially those just beginning their careers. These associations provide a platform for business administration professionals in New Jersey to enhance their skills, stay informed about industry trends and expand their professional networks.
New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA): NJBIA is a prominent association advocating for the business community in New Jersey. Business administration professionals can benefit from networking opportunities, industry insights and events organized by NJBIA.
Garden State Council–Society for Human Resource Management: GSC–SHRM is the NJ chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, catering to HR and business professionals in New Jersey. It offers networking events, educational resources and access to the latest HR trends.
New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO):NJAWBO is an organization supporting and promoting women entrepreneurs and business professionals in New Jersey. Business administration professionals, especially those interested in entrepreneurship, can find valuable connections and resources through NJAWBO.
Business administration salaries in New Jersey reflect an economic landscape that hold both opportunity and challenges. Armed with insights into salaries, key employers and economic nuances, professionals may research the Garden State's business sector and its salaries with confidence.
Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find business administration salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in business administration leadership roles—and much more.
