TradesPays

What do skilled trades pay in New Jersey in 2026?

Median pay for 29 skilled trades in New Jersey (BLS OEWS May 2025).

In 2026, the highest-paying skilled trades in New Jersey are Elevator Installer (~$137,920) and Power-Line Worker (~$121,580), across 29 trades tracked (BLS OEWS May 2025). Last updated June 2026.

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Which trade is best in New Jersey?

Different trades win on different measures — here's the top on each. Pick the one that matters to you.

Highest median pay

Elevator Installer

$137,920

Most jobs

Construction Laborer

23,590 jobs

Across 29 trades: $55,900$137,920 (median $77,010).

Trades ranked by pay in New Jersey

#TradeMedian
1Elevator Installer$137,920
2Power-Line Worker$121,580
3Rebar Worker$116,110
4Ironworker$113,220
5Insulation Worker$107,610
6Millwright$107,540
7Telecom Line Installer$102,090
8Sheet Metal Worker$92,840
9Construction Equipment Operator$89,660
10Boilermaker$82,410
See all 29
11Solar Installer$78,950
12Pipelayer$78,830
13Plumber$78,240
14Electrician$77,250
15Brickmason$77,010
16Roofer$76,600
17Drywall Installer$75,080
18Industrial Machinery Mechanic$74,760
19HVAC Technician$74,450
20Glazier$70,890
21Plasterer$69,990
22Construction Laborer$64,060
23Carpenter$64,010
24Tile & Stone Setter$62,370
25Cement Mason$61,410
26Floor Layer$59,840
27Welder$59,440
28Painter$59,250
29Hazardous Materials Removal Worker$55,900

Where is the union premium biggest in New Jersey?

Named locals and the premium over the BLS all-worker median.

We don't have union scale data for New Jersey across our trades yet — these trades are predominantly non-union, or we haven't added IBEW/UA data. Submitting your pay helps build complete data for New Jersey.