Average Salary in New Jersey for International Students

New Jersey, a state known for its vibrant cities, rich culture, and high living standards, is also where many young students and fresh graduates begin their professional careers. The idea of minimum wage, notably the USD 15 per hour salary adopted in 2024, has been an ongoing conversation among students, particularly those entering the workforce or seeking part-time jobs to support their studies. Furthermore, the average salary in New Jersey for a student is USD 34,989.

International students see the average salary in New Jersey as more than simply a figure; it is about financial independence. With the salary, you can easily navigate the high cost of living in New Jersey, and understand the broader economic consequences of wage increases.

In this blog, we will look at the average salary in New Jersey from the perspective of a student. You can evaluate how it affects your ability to meet financial requirements, gain job experience, and fund your education. 

Average Salary in New Jersey for Part-Time Jobs

The average salary for part-time jobs in New Jersey varies greatly based on the industry, region, and type of work. As of 2024, New Jersey’s minimum wage is approximately USD 15.87 to USD 18.32 per hour per hour. This amount serves as the starting point for the majority of part-time professions.  Many part-time jobs may pay more depending on the industry you choose and your skill level. 

Here are some figures for several types of part-time jobs in USA: 

Part-Time Job	Minimum Salary Per Hour
Entry Level Account Coordinator	USD 23.34/hour
Freelance Transcription	USD 22.97/hour
Float	USD 42.08/hour
Part-Time Grocery Delivery	USD 20.47/hour
Part-Time Medical Office Assistant	USD 19.66/hour
Average Hourly Pay	USD 17.19.

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Average Salary in New Jersey Based on Cities

The average salary in New Jersey varies greatly depending on the city due to differences in cost of living, industry concentration, and local economic situations. The following is an overview of the average salaries for several cities in New Jersey in 2025.

Cities	Minimum Salary Per Hour in New Jersey
Cresskill	USD 18.70/hour
Hackensack	USD 18.47/hour
Port Norris	USD 18.64/hour
North Bergen	USD 18.89/hour
Livingston	USD 18.46/hour
Union City	USD 18.51/hour
Chatham	USD 18.59/hour
Teaneck	USD 18.67/hour
Caldwell	USD 18.38/hour
Dumont	USD 18.50/hour

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Average Salary in New Jersey for Internships and Co-op Programs

The average salary for paid internships in USA and co-op programs in New Jersey varies significantly based on the industry, the level of experience necessary, and whether the job is paid or unpaid. In recent years, multiple companies, especially in technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare, have begun to provide paid internships and co-op opportunities. In New Jersey, the average salary for an intern is USD 17/hour or USD 35,975 per year, while the average salary for a co-op student is approximately USD 14.90/hour to USD 18.80/hour. 

Here’s an overview of the salary range for internships and co-op programs in New Jersey:

Internships	Average Salary Per Hour
Architectural Internships	USD 23.34/hour
Dentist Internship	USD 92.73/hour
Google Internships	USD 18.06/hour
Data Science Internship	USD22.85/hour

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Cost of Living in New Jersey for International Students

The cost of living in New Jersey for international students varies greatly based on the location or town they choose to live in, their lifestyle, and their spending habits. New Jersey has a mix of urban and suburban living, with certain regions near New York City (such as Jersey City and Hoboken) having higher living costs and more rural or suburban areas offering more cheap options. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key costs that you will have to bear as an international student in USA:

Particular	Monthly Expenses
Housing(Shared)	USD 3,000- USD 4,500
Groceries	USD 70- USD 80
Utilities & Internet	USD 150–USD 250
Miscellaneous	USD 100–USD 200
Total Monthly Expenses	USD 1000–USD 1,500

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Taxes and Deductions for International Students in New Jersey

Understanding taxes and deductions is essential for international students living and working in New Jersey because it ensures respect with both federal and state tax rules. International students, often on F-1 or J-1 visas, must understand how these rules apply to their specific position, particularly in terms of income tax, state tax, deductions, and potential tax treaty benefits.

Taxes	Deduction
Federal Income Tax	International students are required to pay federal income taxes on all income earned in the United States. The amount of tax depends on your income.
State Income Tax (Michigan)	1.4% to 10.75% (depending on income level)
FICA Taxes	Non-resident aliens on F-1 or J-1 visas are normally exempt from FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) for the first five years of their stay in the United States.

Tips for Better Earnings as an International Student in New Jersey

Maximising earnings as an international student in New Jersey requires careful preparation and a focus on matching job possibilities with academic responsibilities. Here are some practical tips for international students to help them improve their earning potential while remaining compliant with visa rules.

1. Look for Higher Paying On-Campus Jobs: Apply for positions with better pay. Work-study programs may potentially offer competitive income and suit your academic schedule.
2. Leverage Internships and Co-op Programs: Internships and co-op opportunities in your field of study are generally more rewarding than traditional part-time work. Many programs provide stipends or hourly salaries, with some even leading to full-time job offers in USA after completion.
3. Explore Freelance Opportunities: Depending on your visa and tax status, you may be able to freelance in graphic design, content writing, or tutoring. Check that these roles are permitted by your visa requirements. Platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr provide various job opportunities that can fit around your schedule.
4. Learn New Skills: Take free or low-cost online classes to learn in-demand skills such as coding, data analysis, and digital marketing. These talents may qualify you for higher-paying professions. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and EdX are excellent tools.
5. Invest Wisely: Open a student bank account in USA with low fees. If you have additional income, look into low-risk investing choices for long-term savings. 

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Challenges for International Students in New Jersey

Despite the benefits, students deal with a number of challenges, even with a $15 minimum wage. These challenges reflect some of New Jersey’s continuing economic inequities. Read these to help navigate your study in USA journey:

1. High Cost of Rent in Urban Areas: Rent is one of the most important challenges for students. Rents in New Jersey’s urban areas continue to rise. A student working a minimum-wage job may spend nearly half of their earnings on rent alone. This leaves little room for other necessary expenses.
2. Lack of Job Security: Many students work in the service and retail sectors, where hours might be unpredictable. Part-time jobs rarely provide set hours, and during slow seasons, students’ hours may be reduced affecting their income and job security.
3. Limited Career Opportunities at Entry-Level Positions: Many entry-level positions do not offer crucial professional experience or opportunities to learn industry-specific skills. Entry-level earnings in professions such as technology, engineering, and finance may not be relevant to the skills required. 

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