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Travel Nursing in New Jersey
New Jersey's dense population and proximity to New York City and Philadelphia create one of the most active travel nursing markets on the East Coast. RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Atlantic Health System are the state's dominant healthcare employers, operating dozens of hospitals across the state. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center are among the highest-acuity facilities.
New Jersey recently joined the Nurse Licensure Compact, making it significantly easier for compact license holders to accept assignments. The state offers strong pay packages that reflect the high cost of living in the New York-Philadelphia corridor. The Jersey Shore, Princeton, and the Pine Barrens provide recreation options, while the state's central location gives easy access to NYC, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City.
Quick Stats
Agencies
55+
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,600-$3,800/wk
Compact License
Yes
New Jersey is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in New Jersey immediately.
Top Cities
NewarkJersey CityNew BrunswickCamdenHackensack
Top Agencies for New Jersey
These agencies are known for strong New Jersey assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
New Jersey participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Travel nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in New Jersey immediately. Non-compact nurses must apply through the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Processing Time: Endorsement applications typically take 6 to 10 weeks.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- New Jersey recently joined the NLC; verify implementation status before relying on compact license.
- Non-compact nurses should start the endorsement process early, as NJ processing can be slow.
- New Jersey assignments offer easy access to NYC without Manhattan housing costs.
- The Jersey Shore has seasonal demand increases during summer months.
Popular Cities in New Jersey
Newark
University Hospital and RWJBarnabas Health facilities serve New Jersey's largest city. Newark is minutes from Manhattan via PATH train and offers significantly lower housing costs than NYC.
Jersey City
Jersey City Medical Center serves this Hudson County city with Manhattan skyline views. Travel nurses enjoy NYC access via PATH while paying lower rent than across the river.
New Brunswick
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is a nationally ranked academic medical center. The Rutgers University campus creates a college-town atmosphere.
Camden
Cooper University Hospital serves Camden and is affiliated with MD Anderson Cancer Center. The city sits directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia.
Hackensack
Hackensack University Medical Center is one of the largest hospitals in the state and offers high-acuity travel assignments across many specialties.
Popular Specialties in New Jersey
ICU
New Jersey's academic medical centers maintain complex ICUs that drive premium-pay demand for experienced critical care nurses.
ER
Busy urban ERs in Newark, Camden, and Jersey City create consistent demand for experienced emergency nurses.
OR
Major surgical programs at Hackensack and RWJ drive demand for OR travel nurses.
Telemetry
The state's aging population creates consistent telemetry demand across NJ hospital systems.
Housing Notes
New Jersey housing varies widely. North Jersey near NYC is expensive at $1,600-$2,200/month. Central NJ (New Brunswick) is $1,400-$1,800. South Jersey (Camden area) is $1,100-$1,500. Agency stipends of $1,800-$2,400/week help offset costs.
Nursing Schools in New Jersey
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in New Jersey, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $3,000-$4,000/wk |
| ER | $2,800-$3,800/wk |
| OR | $2,900-$3,900/wk |
| Med Surg | $2,400-$3,200/wk |
| Telemetry | $2,600-$3,400/wk |
| L&D | $2,700-$3,600/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. New Jersey has joined the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing compact license holders to practice immediately.
Newark and Jersey City are minutes from Manhattan via PATH train. Many travel nurses choose NJ assignments for NYC access at lower housing costs.
North Jersey near NYC is expensive. Central and South Jersey are more moderate. Agency stipends of $1,800-$2,400/week help cover costs.
Yes. NJ has a graduated income tax with rates from 1.4% to 10.75%. The high pay packages help offset this.
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