New Jersey: education overview
Average teacher salary $84,974 (2024-25), #9 of 51. Source
Public vs private schools
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | 2,562 | 1,050 |
| Students | 1,394,971 | 210,580 |
| Share of students | 87% | 13% |
Latest federal counts; public and private figures come from different school years, so the share is approximate.
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
Students, teachers, districts
- Public school districts
- 562
- Public school teachers (full-time equivalent)
- 117,661
- Public school students
- 1,394,971
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
How teacher pay is structured
New Jersey has K–12 districts and elementary districts feeding separate regional secondary districts, so separate employers can have different salary schedules. Teacher salary schedules are generally collectively bargained locally; there is no common statewide step schedule or universal teacher-specific salary floor.
Separate high school districts: someStatewide salary schedule: noSource
For prospective educators
You'd be a good fit if you want high average pay, strong union contracts, and hundreds of small districts to choose from — including some separate regional high schools.
A general summary, not advice. Pay and conditions vary by district.