Registered Nurse Salary in Manchester, NJ: $114,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Manchester, NJ earns a median $114,010/year (≈ $54.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $98,967 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, registered nurses in Manchester, New Jersey, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $114,010, which represents a notable increase compared to the national median of $102,730. This competitive compensation is reflective of the local job market's dynamics, where salaries range from $86,427 at the 10th percentile to $161,322 at the 90th percentile. Factors driving this wage structure include shift differentials, which can add significant value to evening or weekend shifts. Local estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, provide insight into the financial landscape for nursing professionals, highlighting the value of strategic scheduling in augmenting registered nurse pay in Manchester.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,427 | $41.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,297 | $46.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $114,010 | $54.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,417 | $60.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,322 | $77.56 |
Median Salary Position
10.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NJ, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,895 (2026 est.). At $114,010, the local median is 10.98% above the national median of $102,730.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Manchester median: $114,010/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $118,390 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $102,730 | +10.98% more |
Registered Nurses in Manchester, NJ earn a median of $114,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $118,390.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $114,010 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,967 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,348
2025 BLS Actual
$108,261
2026 Current Est.
$114,010
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,348 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,601 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,138 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,261 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,064 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 33.1% from $81,348 (2019) to $108,261 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,064 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,716 (47.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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 5.31% 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) | $86,427 – $97,297 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,297 – $114,010 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $114,010 – $126,417 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,417 – $161,322 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Manchester
While the registered nurse salary in Manchester shows promise, it is essential to consider the local economic factors at play. With only nine registered nurses currently employed in the area, competition may influence job availability, contributing to a focus on specialized roles and advanced certifications. The cost of living index in Manchester stands at 115.2, signaling that the purchasing power of nurses may be slightly hampered by regional expenses. Those aiming to maximize take-home pay should look toward hospital systems, particularly within critical care settings such as ICU or emergency departments, as they tend to offer higher salaries. Shift differentials of $3 to $7 for nights and $3 to $5 for weekends can also bridge the gap between lower and higher pay brackets. By pursuing specialty certifications from organizations like the AACN or seeking roles in magnet-status facilities, RNs can enhance their marketability and earning potential in this New Jersey community.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
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 $108,261 for registered nursesin the Manchester metropolitan area. A 5.31% 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 Manchester 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 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov