Salary & Cost of Living in Kearny, NJ
Kearny, NJ: $60,781 median salary, cost of living index 111.4, $15.13/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$60,781
$29/hr
Cost of Living
111.4
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.13
per hour
Unemployment
4.7%
rate
Kearny, NJ Overview
Population
42,670
Median Salary
$60,781
Average Salary
$68,075
Avg Commute
19 min
Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Rent
$1,821/mo
Job Growth
+2.1%
Sales Tax
6.625%
Kearny is located in New Jersey with a population of 42,670. The median household salary is $60,781 per year ($29/hour), which is $1,397 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.1%.
Kearny Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Kearny, NJ based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $60,781 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $37,684 | $18.12/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $60,781 | $29.22/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $86,309 | $41.49/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $108,190 | $52.01/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Kearny Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Kearny, NJ, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$45,424
$3,785.33/month · $1,747.08/biweekly · Effective Rate: 25.3%
Gross Pay
$60,781
Federal Tax
-$5,255
State Tax
-$5,452
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,650
Net Pay
$45,424
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,065.08 | $60,781.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$437.93 | -$5,255.22 |
| New Jersey State Tax (8.97%) | -$454.34 | -$5,452.06 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$314.04 | -$3,768.42 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$73.44 | -$881.32 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,785.33 | $45,423.98 |
Salary Comparison: Kearny vs Other Cities
See how Kearny's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kearny, NJ | $60,781 | 111.4 | $54,561 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Alhambra, CA | $60,782 | 144.1 | $42,180 |
| Bell Gardens, CA | $60,780 | 148.5 | $40,929 |
| Danville, VA | $60,776 | 95.4 | $63,706 |
| Derry, NH | $60,762 | 109.6 | $55,440 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Kearny
Kearny's cost of living index is 111.4 (national average = 100). Living in Kearny is 11.400000000000006% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,821
Annual Rent Cost
$21,852
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $45,424 annual take-home pay in Kearny has the purchasing power of approximately $40,776 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $67,710 in Kearny to match a $60,781 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Kearny
Kearny's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $60,781.
Salary Tips for Kearny Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 8.97% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $24,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Kearny's top industries include Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Logistics. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $60,781 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Kearny, NJ?
The median salary in Kearny, NJ is $60,781 per year, or $29 per hour. The average salary is $68,075. This is $1,397 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Kearny, NJ?
Kearny's cost of living index is 111.4 (national average = 100), meaning it is 11.400000000000006% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $450,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,821.
What are the best industries in Kearny?
The top industries in Kearny, NJ include Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Logistics. The city has a job growth rate of 2.1% and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $60,781.
How does Kearny's salary compare to other cities?
Kearny's median salary of $60,781 is 2.4% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 111.4), the real purchasing power is approximately $54,561.
What is the minimum wage in Kearny, NJ?
The minimum wage in Kearny, NJ is $15.13 per hour. This equals approximately $31,470 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $7.88 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.