Salary & Cost of Living in Union City, NJ
Union City, NJ: $77,370 median salary, cost of living index 117.2, $15.13/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$77,370
$37/hr
Cost of Living
117.2
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.13
per hour
Unemployment
4.8%
rate
Union City, NJ Overview
Population
69,781
Median Salary
$77,370
Average Salary
$86,654
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$455,000
Median Rent
$1,855/mo
Job Growth
+1.9%
Sales Tax
6.625%
Union City is located in New Jersey with a population of 69,781. The median household salary is $77,370 per year ($37/hour), which is $17,986 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.9%.
Union City Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Union City, NJ based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $77,370 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 | $47,969 | $23.06/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $77,370 | $37.20/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $109,865 | $52.82/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $137,719 | $66.22/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.
Union City Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Union City, NJ, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$55,876
$4,656.31/month · $2,149.07/biweekly · Effective Rate: 27.8%
Gross Pay
$77,370
Federal Tax
-$8,635
State Tax
-$6,940
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,919
Net Pay
$55,876
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $6,447.50 | $77,370.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$719.62 | -$8,635.40 |
| New Jersey State Tax (8.97%) | -$578.34 | -$6,940.09 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$399.74 | -$4,796.94 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$93.49 | -$1,121.87 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,656.31 | $55,875.71 |
Salary Comparison: Union City vs Other Cities
See how Union City's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union City, NJ | $77,370 | 117.2 | $66,015 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| East Orange, NJ | $77,355 | 129.1 | $59,919 |
| Brookline, MA | $77,341 | 134 | $57,717 |
| Glen Burnie, MD | $77,456 | 108.8 | $71,191 |
| Haverhill, MA | $77,194 | 139.4 | $55,376 |
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 Union City
Union City's cost of living index is 117.2 (national average = 100). Living in Union City is 17.200000000000003% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$455,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,855
Annual Rent Cost
$22,260
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $55,876 annual take-home pay in Union City has the purchasing power of approximately $47,676 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $90,678 in Union City to match a $77,370 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Union City
Union City's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $77,370.
Salary Tips for Union City 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. Union City's top industries include Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Logistics. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $77,370 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Union City, NJ?
The median salary in Union City, NJ is $77,370 per year, or $37 per hour. The average salary is $86,654. This is $17,986 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Union City, NJ?
Union City's cost of living index is 117.2 (national average = 100), meaning it is 17.200000000000003% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $455,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,855.
What are the best industries in Union City?
The top industries in Union City, NJ include Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Logistics. The city has a job growth rate of 1.9% and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $77,370.
How does Union City's salary compare to other cities?
Union City's median salary of $77,370 is 30.3% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 117.2), the real purchasing power is approximately $66,015.
What is the minimum wage in Union City, NJ?
The minimum wage in Union City, 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.