SalaryNode

Average Transit and Railroad Police Salary in New Jersey

Transit and Railroad Police officers in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of $97,130, a figure slightly below the national average of $98,530. This marginal difference is often influenced by the state's unique transportation infrastructure demands and the specialized nature of policing these critical transit systems.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $97,130 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $118,250.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 320 individuals, the Transit and Railroad Police sector in New Jersey demonstrates a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape. The robust Location Quotient of 3.82 strongly indicates a significant concentration of these roles relative to the national average, suggesting consistent demand and specialized opportunities within the state's transit networks.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$97,130

The average Transit and Railroad Police in New Jersey earns-1.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$46.7

Weekly

$1,868

Monthly

$8,094

Transit and Railroad Police Salary Distribution in New Jersey

Career progression for Transit and Railroad Police in New Jersey typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but with experience, specialized training, and demonstrated performance, officers can advance to senior roles commanding higher compensation. The salary distribution, with distinct percentile gaps, clearly signifies opportunities for substantial career and financial growth.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$68,350$32.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$72,848$35
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$105,630$50.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$121,413$58.4
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$118,250$56.9

Detailed Transit and Railroad Police Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$97,130

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$86,415

Adjusted for COL (112.4)

The average annual salary of $97,130 in New Jersey presents a moderate financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 112.4. This index indicates that living expenses are approximately 12.4% higher than the national average, meaning the nominal salary may not stretch as far as it would in a more affordable region, requiring careful budgeting.

Job Market Context

320

Total Jobs

0.074

Per 1K Jobs

3.82

Location Quotient

Major Hub

New Jersey has 3.8x the national concentration of Transit and Railroad Police jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

New Jersey's Location Quotient of 3.82 for Transit and Railroad Police is exceptionally high, signifying a market that is 3.82 times more concentrated with these professionals than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market, where employers are actively seeking individuals with specific skills relevant to the state's extensive rail and transit systems.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Transit and Railroad Police

Comparing salaries near New Jersey

Hiring Transit and Railroad Polices?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Transit and Railroad Police make in New Jersey?

The median annual salary for a Transit and Railroad Police in New Jersey is $97,130. This typically ranges from $68,350 for entry-level positions to $118,250 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 1.4% lower than the national median of $98,530.

Is New Jersey a lucrative place for Transit and Railroad Polices?

Yes, with caveats.New Jersey offers a high concentration of Transit and Railroad Police jobs with a strong Location Quotient, indicating significant demand. However, the average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is higher, which impacts overall purchasing power.

Is New Jersey a good place to live for Transit and Railroad Polices?

The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?

Some top paying nearby cities include New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ ($105,930) and Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD.

What is the average salary for a Transit and Railroad Police officer in New Jersey?

The average annual salary for a Transit and Railroad Police officer in New Jersey is $97,130.

How does New Jersey's salary for this role compare to the national average?

The average salary in New Jersey ($97,130) is slightly lower than the national average ($98,530).

Is there high demand for Transit and Railroad Police in New Jersey?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 3.82 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in New Jersey compared to the national average, suggesting strong demand.

How does the cost of living in New Jersey affect the salary?

New Jersey's Cost of Living Index is 112.4, meaning it's 12.4% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living means the $97,130 salary may have less purchasing power than the same amount in a lower-cost area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 0.074 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.