Nurse Jobs in NJ
Find nursing jobs in New Jersey state government. View positions in state hospitals, correctional facilities, veterans homes, and developmental centers.
Category: Healthcare & Science
Government nurses provide healthcare in state psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities, veterans homes, and developmental centers with excellent benefits.
Typical Requirements
- Valid NJ nursing license (RN or LPN)
- Nursing degree from accredited program
- BLS/CPR certification
- Specialty certifications for advanced positions
Career Progression
- Staff Nurse
- → Senior Staff Nurse
- → Head Nurse
- → Supervising Nurse
- → Nursing Director
Available Nurse positions in New Jersey
New Jersey civil service has 81 nurse titles, paying from $39,358 at entry level to $155,359 at the top step. The 40 highest-paying are below; see all in search.
Which employers actually hire nurse titles
State payroll records show 2,793 people in these titles across 10 state agencies, concentrated at Department of Health. This is where the work exists today, not a list of current openings.
- Department of Health — 1,225 employees
- Veterans Affairs — 788 employees
- Department of Human Services — 729 employees
- Department of Children and Families — 31 employees
- Department of Law & Public Safety — 10 employees
- Department of Education — 4 employees
- Department of Banking & Insurance — 2 employees
- Military Affairs — 2 employees
Local employers file their payroll separately and are not counted here, so county, municipal and school-district jobs in these titles are additional to the figures above.
About NJ Civil Service Employment
NJ civil service jobs pair a set salary range with health benefits, pension enrollment (PERS or PFRS depending on the title), and tenure protections once you pass a working test period. Getting hired usually means passing a competitive exam and landing on an eligibility list; moving up usually means testing again for the next rung in the family.
Employers range from state departments to counties, towns, and school districts. Whichever level hires you, the civil service rules and the underlying job specification are the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a Nurse in New Jersey?
To work as a nurse in NJ civil service, you typically need to: Valid NJ nursing license (RN or LPN); Nursing degree from accredited program; BLS/CPR certification. Most positions require passing a civil service examination and placement on an eligibility list.
What is the salary range for Nurse positions?
Nurse salaries in NJ civil service range from $39,358 at entry level to $155,359 for senior positions. Actual salary depends on the specific title, experience, and step level.
Are Nurse positions available at state and local level?
Availability varies by position. Use the job listings below to see jurisdiction-specific opportunities.
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