Salary & Cost of Living in Passaic, NJ
Passaic, NJ: $75,843 median salary, cost of living index 128.3, $15.13/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$75,843
$36/hr
Cost of Living
128.3
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.13
per hour
Unemployment
4.6%
rate
Passaic, NJ Overview
Population
72,427
Median Salary
$75,843
Average Salary
$84,944
Avg Commute
21 min
Median Home Price
$440,000
Median Rent
$1,796/mo
Job Growth
+2.7%
Sales Tax
6.625%
Passaic is located in New Jersey with a population of 72,427. The median household salary is $75,843 per year ($36/hour), which is $16,459 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.7%.
Passaic Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Passaic, NJ based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $75,843 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 | $47,023 | $22.61/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $75,843 | $36.46/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $107,697 | $51.77/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $135,001 | $64.90/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.
Passaic Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Passaic, NJ, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$54,938
$4,578.20/month · $2,113.02/biweekly · Effective Rate: 27.6%
Gross Pay
$75,843
Federal Tax
-$8,299
State Tax
-$6,803
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,802
Net Pay
$54,938
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $6,320.25 | $75,843.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$691.62 | -$8,299.46 |
| New Jersey State Tax (8.97%) | -$566.93 | -$6,803.12 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$391.86 | -$4,702.27 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$91.64 | -$1,099.72 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,578.20 | $54,938.43 |
Salary Comparison: Passaic vs Other Cities
See how Passaic's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passaic, NJ | $75,843 | 128.3 | $59,114 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Northampton, MA | $75,812 | 132.1 | $57,390 |
| Plainfield, NJ | $75,796 | 125.6 | $60,347 |
| Simi Valley, CA | $75,731 | 155.6 | $48,670 |
| Olathe, KS | $76,000 | 100 | $76,000 |
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 Passaic
Passaic's cost of living index is 128.3 (national average = 100). Living in Passaic is 28.30000000000001% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$440,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,796
Annual Rent Cost
$21,552
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $54,938 annual take-home pay in Passaic has the purchasing power of approximately $42,820 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $97,307 in Passaic to match a $75,843 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Passaic
Passaic's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $75,843.
Salary Tips for Passaic Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Passaic has a cost of living 28.30000000000001% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- 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. Passaic's top industries include Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Logistics. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $75,843 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 Passaic, NJ?
The median salary in Passaic, NJ is $75,843 per year, or $36 per hour. The average salary is $84,944. This is $16,459 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Passaic, NJ?
Passaic's cost of living index is 128.3 (national average = 100), meaning it is 28.30000000000001% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $440,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,796.
What are the best industries in Passaic?
The top industries in Passaic, NJ include Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Logistics. The city has a job growth rate of 2.7% and an unemployment rate of 4.6%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $75,843.
How does Passaic's salary compare to other cities?
Passaic's median salary of $75,843 is 27.7% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 128.3), the real purchasing power is approximately $59,114.
What is the minimum wage in Passaic, NJ?
The minimum wage in Passaic, 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.