Registered Nurse License Cost in New Jersey 2026: $405 Fees, $99K Salary
Getting a Registered Nurse license in New Jersey costs $405 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.
Registered Nurse License in New Jersey — Key Numbers
$405
Upfront Cost
$99K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$110
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.1 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — New Jersey
Exam fee
$200
Application fee
$130
Initial license fee
$75
Total upfront
$405
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs)
$110
CE hours required per cycle
30 hours
Salary without license (New Jersey)
$48,300/yr
Salary with license (New Jersey)
$98,900/yr
5-year net ROI
$253K
Licensing body: New Jersey Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
Registered Nurse License in New Jersey — What to Know
New Jersey RN salaries rank among the highest in the country. The $99K median reflects the state's strong hospital systems and above-average nursing demand. The NCLEX-RN fee is fixed nationally at $200; state application and license fees add another $350 to the upfront cost. New Jersey has active travel nursing markets — contracted rates in major hospitals run $40–$65/hour. BSN-prepared nurses in New Jersey command a consistent hiring premium over ADN graduates.