Data Analyst in Camden, NJ

As a Camden native who’s watched this city transform from a faded industrial powerhouse to a gritty hub for healthcare, education, and logistics, I’m here to give you the straight talk. Data Analysts aren’t chasing Wall Street glitz here. You’re coming for a stable, mission-driven career where your work directly impacts community health, education outcomes, and regional logistics. The data scene is lean, competitive, and deeply interconnected with Philadelphia’s broader ecosystem. Let’s break down if Camden is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Camden Stands

Camden’s data analyst market is a microcosm of the state—strong, but not explosive. The median salary is $84,235/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.5/hour. This sits just above the national average of $83,360/year. For a city with a metro population of 71,099 and only 142 data analyst jobs in the metro area, this is a solid, competitive wage. The 10-year job growth is 36%, but that figure is heavily weighted by the expansion of the healthcare and logistics sectors, not pure tech.

Here’s how experience breaks down in the Camden market. Note that "Expert" level is rare here; most senior roles are in data engineering or leadership.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range	Key Local Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $75,000	Cooper University Health Care, Rutgers-Camden, logistics firms
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$80,000 - $95,000	Virtua Health, Campbell’s Soup, Camden County Government
Senior/Lead (6-10 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	All of the above, plus consulting (often Philly-based)
Expert/Managerial	$115,000+	Ross University School of Medicine, specialized healthcare analytics

Compared to other NJ cities: Camden lags behind tech-heavy hubs like Jersey City (median: ~$98,000) and Newark (median: ~$92,000), but it’s in line with cities like Trenton (median: ~$85,000). The trade-off is a lower cost of living and a less cutthroat job market. You’re not competing with thousands of Stanford grads here.

Insider Tip: Salaries in Camden are often "Philadelphia-adjacent." Many professionals live in Camden (for the lower rent) and commute to Center City Philly for roles paying 10-15% more. This is the unspoken strategy for maximizing income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. Your $84,235 gross salary is your starting point. New Jersey has a progressive income tax (up to 10.75%) and a 6.625% sales tax. For a single filer with no dependents, federal, state, and FICA taxes will take roughly 28-30% of your paycheck. That leaves you with a net monthly income of approximately $4,900 - $5,000.

Now, the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Camden costs $1,451/month. This is slightly above the national average but a bargain compared to Philadelphia’s $2,100+ average for a similar unit.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Data Analyst in Camden (Net ~$4,950)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	In a safe, walkable neighborhood (see below)
Utilities	$180	Electric, gas, internet. Older buildings can be drafty.
Groceries	$350	Shop at Aldi or the Camden Farmers Market to save.
Transportation	$150	Car insurance is high (NJ is #1 nationally). A monthly PATCO pass to Philly is $124.
Health Insurance	$250	If not covered by employer (common for contractors).
Debt/Student Loans	$300	Varies widely.
Entertainment/Savings	$2,269	This is your discretionary income for savings, travel, and fun.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Camden is around $220,000. With a 10% down payment ($22,000), your monthly mortgage (including taxes/insurance) would be roughly $1,600. This is slightly more than rent, but you’re building equity. The challenge is the upfront cost and Camden’s historically volatile property values. A $84,235 salary qualifies you for a mortgage, but lenders will scrutinize your debt-to-income ratio closely. It’s a more feasible goal here than in Philadelphia or North Jersey.

Insider Tip: Many data analysts in Camden are "house hacking"—buying a duplex in neighborhoods like Parkside or Cramer Hill, living in one unit, and renting the other to cover the mortgage. It’s a common path to financial stability.

Where the Jobs Are: Camden's Major Employers

Camden’s job market isn’t dominated by FAANG companies. It’s powered by institutions that generate massive, complex datasets in healthcare, education, and public policy. These employers are stable, but hiring processes can be slow and bureaucratic.

1. Cooper University Health Care: The largest employer in Camden. They are on a massive digital transformation journey, building out a dedicated data analytics team for patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and research. Hiring trends favor analysts with SQL, Python, and experience with Epic or Cerner EHR systems.
2. Virtua Health: With a major campus in Camden, Virtua has a strong need for analysts in population health, revenue cycle management, and supply chain logistics. They often post roles for "Business Intelligence Analysts" on LinkedIn and their careers page.
3. Rutgers University–Camden: The campus is a hub for research data, particularly in social sciences, public policy, and economics. They hire analysts for grant-funded projects, institutional research, and administrative reporting. It’s a great entry point for those with a master’s degree.
4. Camden County Government: The county’s Office of Public Information and various departments (Health and Human Services, Planning) rely on data analysts for grant reporting, public health surveillance, and urban planning. These roles are stable but require patience with government hiring timelines.
5. Campbell Soup Company: Their global headquarters are in Camden. They employ analysts for supply chain optimization, consumer data analytics, and market research. It’s a corporate environment with a focus on CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) data.
6. The Waterfront Companies (and related logistics firms): The Port of Camden is one of the largest on the East Coast. Logistics and freight companies here need analysts for tracking, route optimization, and customs data. This is a niche but growing field.
7. Philadelphia FED (Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia): While headquartered in Philly, the Fed employs many analysts who live in or near Camden. They have a robust research department focusing on economic data from the Third District, which includes South Jersey.

Hiring Trends: Most jobs are posted on state job boards (NJ.gov), LinkedIn, and local university career portals. Networking is critical. Join the South Jersey Technology Council and attend events at the Waterfront Tech complex.

Getting Licensed in NJ

For a Data Analyst role, New Jersey does not require a state-issued license, unlike fields such as nursing or engineering. However, professional certifications can significantly boost your credibility and salary potential.

• Key Certifications: The most valued here are the Google Data Analytics Certificate (for entry-level), Tableau Desktop Specialist, and Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate. For advanced roles, the CAP (Certified Analytics Professional) is respected.
• Costs: Certifications range from free (Google) to $250 for the Power BI exam to $700 for the CAP exam. Many employers, especially Cooper and Virtua, offer tuition reimbursement for these.
• Timeline: You can prepare for and earn an entry-level certificate (like Google's) in 3-6 months with consistent study. The CAP requires 3-5 years of experience and a 3-hour exam.
• State Board: The New Jersey State Board of Professional Planners is relevant only if you move into urban planning analytics. For general data analysis, no board is involved. Always check the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website for any regulatory changes.

Insider Tip: If you’re looking at government roles (county or state), a Certified Public Manager (CPM) credential, while not a data-specific license, is often viewed favorably and can set you apart from private-sector candidates.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Camden is a city of distinct, often overlooked, neighborhoods. Your choice will impact your commute, safety, and daily life.

1. Cooper Grant / Waterfront: This is the safest, most modern area, dominated by Rutgers, Cooper Hospital, and the Waterfront complex. Rent is highest here ($1,600-$1,900 for a 1BR). Walkable to work, great views of Philly. Best for young professionals who want to minimize commute.
2. Haddon Township (West of Camden): Technically a separate borough, but it’s the most popular residential area for Camden professionals. It has a charming, small-town feel with great schools and lower crime. Commute is easy via car or bus. Rent for a 1BR is $1,400-$1,600.
3. Parkside: A quiet, residential neighborhood with a strong community feel. It’s home to many Rutgers staff and older homes. Commute to downtown is 15-20 minutes by car. Rent is more affordable ($1,200-$1,400). The trade-off is fewer walkable amenities.
4. Cramer Hill: This neighborhood is on the rise, with a mix of historic homes and new developments. It’s closer to the Camden Waterfront and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Safety varies by street, so research specific blocks. Rent is a value ($1,100-$1,350).
5. Downtown Camden: The core is undergoing revitalization but can still be quiet after business hours. It’s ideal if you work at the county or federal buildings. Rent can be a steal ($1,300-$1,500), but you’ll rely on transit or a car.

Insider Tip: The PATCO train line is your lifeline. Living within a 10-minute walk of a PATCO station (in Haddon Township or the Waterfront) gives you seamless access to Philadelphia’s job market and social scene, which is a major perk.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Camden, career growth for data analysts is less about jumping to a new company every two years and more about deepening expertise and moving into leadership within a major local employer or branching into Philly.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with healthcare analytics experience (EHR data, HIPAA compliance) command a 10-15% salary premium. Supply chain analytics (for Campbell’s or logistics firms) is another high-value niche.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Junior Analyst -> Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Data Analytics Manager (overseeing a team). A parallel path is to become a Data Architect or Business Intelligence Developer, which requires more technical skills and pays $110,000+.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 36% job growth is real, but it’s not all in Camden proper. It’s in the broader Philly-Camden metro. The demand will be strongest in healthtech (Cooper, Virtua) and ed-tech (Rutgers). The rise of remote work is a double-edged sword: it allows you to attract Philly salaries, but it also means you’re competing with analysts nationwide for local roles. The key is to build a reputation as the local expert in, say, public health data or educational outcomes.

Insider Tip: The most successful analysts here have a hybrid skill set: they’re technically proficient (SQL, Python, Power BI) and domain-expert in healthcare, logistics, or public policy. They don’t just report the data; they explain what it means for Philadelphia’s population health or the region’s supply chain.

The Verdict: Is Camden Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $84,235 salary goes much further than in Philly or North Jersey.	Smaller, Niche Job Market: Only 142 jobs in the metro. Less variety than major tech hubs.
Mission-Driven Work: Your data directly impacts community health, education, and social equity.	Limited "Tech" Culture: Fewer meetups, hackathons, and pure tech companies.
Proximity to Philadelphia: Easy access to a larger job market, networking, and cultural scene via PATCO.	Urban Challenges: Some neighborhoods are still recovering from long-term disinvestment. Research is key.
Strong, Stable Employers: Hospitals, government, and universities offer stable, long-term careers.	Slower Pace: Career advancement can be slower than in competitive tech markets.
High Job Growth (36%): Strong demand in key local sectors for the next decade.	Salary Ceiling: Top salaries are often in Philadelphia, not Camden.

Final Recommendation: Camden is an excellent choice for a Data Analyst who values stability, mission-driven work, and a lower cost of living. It’s perfect for you if you’re early in your career and want to build experience in healthcare or public policy analytics, or if you’re a mid-career professional looking to buy a home and build equity. If you’re chasing the highest possible salary, a fast-paced tech culture, and a dense network of startups, you’re better off in Philadelphia or Jersey City. For the pragmatic analyst who sees data as a tool for community change, Camden is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for Data Analysts in Camden?
It’s competitive but not cutthroat. With only 142 jobs in the metro area, you’re not up against hundreds of applicants for each role. However, employers like Cooper and Rutgers are prestigious and receive applications from across the region. Tailor your resume to the specific sector (e.g., highlight healthcare projects for Cooper).

2. Is a car necessary in Camden?
It depends on your neighborhood. If you live in the Waterfront, Cooper Grant, or near a PATCO station in Haddon Township, you can manage with a bike, walking, and the train (especially if you work in Philly). If you live in Parkside or Cramer Hill and work in Camden, a car is highly recommended. The bus system exists but can be unreliable.

3. What’s the best way to network as a newcomer?
Join the South Jersey Technology Council and attend their mixers. Get involved with Rutgers-Camden’s Innovation Hub. Many industry professionals also attend events at the Moorestown-based tech scenes. The Philly-based Data Science Philly Meetup group is also very popular and easy to reach via PATCO.

4. Can I live in Camden and work entirely remotely?
Absolutely, and this is a growing trend. The lower rent makes Camden an attractive base for remote roles with national companies. Just ensure you have a reliable internet connection (Comcast and Verizon Fios are the main providers). This strategy lets you earn a national salary while enjoying Camden’s affordability.

5. How does the cost of living compare to Philadelphia?
The Cost of Living Index for Camden is 103.5 (US avg = 100). Philadelphia’s is around 106. While the index is close, the real difference is in rent and home prices. A comparable 1BR in Philadelphia will cost 30-40% more. You’ll save significantly on housing by living in Camden, which is the biggest budget item for most professionals.