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.
Pick a trade or switch state
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
| # | Trade | Median |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elevator Installer | $137,920 |
| 2 | Power-Line Worker | $121,580 |
| 3 | Rebar Worker | $116,110 |
| 4 | Ironworker | $113,220 |
| 5 | Insulation Worker | $107,610 |
| 6 | Millwright | $107,540 |
| 7 | Telecom Line Installer | $102,090 |
| 8 | Sheet Metal Worker | $92,840 |
| 9 | Construction Equipment Operator | $89,660 |
| 10 | Boilermaker | $82,410 |
See all 29
| 11 | Solar Installer | $78,950 |
| 12 | Pipelayer | $78,830 |
| 13 | Plumber | $78,240 |
| 14 | Electrician | $77,250 |
| 15 | Brickmason | $77,010 |
| 16 | Roofer | $76,600 |
| 17 | Drywall Installer | $75,080 |
| 18 | Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $74,760 |
| 19 | HVAC Technician | $74,450 |
| 20 | Glazier | $70,890 |
| 21 | Plasterer | $69,990 |
| 22 | Construction Laborer | $64,060 |
| 23 | Carpenter | $64,010 |
| 24 | Tile & Stone Setter | $62,370 |
| 25 | Cement Mason | $61,410 |
| 26 | Floor Layer | $59,840 |
| 27 | Welder | $59,440 |
| 28 | Painter | $59,250 |
| 29 | Hazardous 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.
Other states to compare
Get pay updates
Real BLS + union + peer pay for the trades and states you pick. No spam.