Project Manager in Toms River CDP, NJ

The Salary Picture: Where Toms River CDP Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because that's what matters when you're considering a move. In Toms River CDP, the median salary for a Project Manager is $105,077/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.52/hour. This is a solid figure, sitting about 3.7% above the national average for Project Managers, which is $101,280/year. While the difference isn't massive, it's a positive indicator of local demand.

The job market here is tight but stable. There are currently about 191 Project Manager jobs available in the metro area, which is a manageable number that suggests competition but also consistent need. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is 6%. This isn't explosive growth like in some tech hubs, but it's a steady, reliable increase, aligning with the national average for the profession. It tells you that Toms River CDP is a stable market, not a boomtown, which can be a good thing for long-term planning.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a breakdown of salary by experience level. These estimates are based on regional data adjusted for the Toms River market and industry standards.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Estimate	Hourly Rate Estimate	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$78,000 - $89,000	$37.50 - $42.78	Assisting senior PMs, tracking deliverables, scheduling, risk log maintenance.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$90,000 - $115,000	$43.27 - $55.29	Leading small-to-medium projects, budget management, stakeholder communication, team coordination.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$115,000 - $140,000	$55.29 - $67.31	Complex project portfolios, strategic planning, mentoring junior PMs, high-level budget oversight.
Expert/Principal (15+ yrs)	$140,000+	$67.31+	Program/Project Management Office (PMO) leadership, enterprise-wide initiatives, executive stakeholder management.

Compared to other New Jersey cities, Toms River CDP offers a compelling value proposition. While salaries in Newark or Jersey City might be 10-15% higher, the cost of living is dramatically different. In Toms River, you're not competing with the financial sector for housing in the same way. This median salary of $105,077 supports a much more comfortable lifestyle here than the same amount would in the northern part of the state. The local market is driven by healthcare, education, and public sector projects, not Wall Street, which creates a different, often more stable, employment ecosystem.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. If you have a PMP or Scrum Master certification, you can often command a 10-15% premium, especially with employers like Ocean University Medical Center or the Ocean County government. It's a tangible investment in your local earning power.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $105,077 is a great headline, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down with real local numbers.

First, after federal, state (NJ has a progressive income tax), and local taxes, your take-home pay will be roughly $6,500 - $7,000 per month, depending on your filing status and deductions. For this exercise, we'll use a conservative $6,700/month net.

Now, housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Toms River CDP is $1,743/month. This is a key figure. It means housing consumes about 26% of your take-home pay, which is within the recommended 25-30% range. This leaves you with a manageable remainder for other expenses.

Here's a realistic monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Net Income	Notes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,743	26%	This is for a standard apartment. Luxury units or waterfront properties will be higher.
Utilities	$150 - $220	2-3%	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet. Winter heating can spike costs.
Groceries	$400 - $500	6-7%	Slightly higher than the national average due to NJ's cost of living.
Transportation	$300 - $450	4-6%	Car is essential in Toms River. Includes gas, insurance, and maintenance. NJ Transit bus routes exist but are limited.
Health Insurance	$150 - $350	2-5%	Highly variable; often subsidized by employer.
Discretionary/Savings	~$3,500+	52%	Covers dining, entertainment, student loans, retirement savings, and emergency fund.

Can you afford to buy a home? This is the million-dollar question. The median home price in Ocean County is approximately $475,000. With a 20% down payment ($95,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~7%) would have a monthly payment of around $2,600, including property taxes and insurance. For a single Project Manager on the median salary, this would be a stretch, pushing housing costs to nearly 40% of take-home pay. However, if you are part of a dual-income household (common in the area), or if you move up to a senior-level salary, buying becomes much more feasible. The rental market is a smart, flexible choice for the first few years while you establish yourself locally.

Insider Tip: Property taxes are a major factor in New Jersey. In Toms River Township, the average annual property tax bill can exceed $8,000. Always factor this into any home-buying calculation.

Where the Jobs Are: Toms River CDP's Major Employers

The job market for Project Managers in Toms River isn't dominated by Fortune 500 tech companies. It's built on the pillars of the local economy: healthcare, education, government, and construction. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Ocean University Medical Center (part of Hackensack Meridian Health): This is the largest healthcare provider in the region. They are constantly running IT system upgrades, facility expansions, and operational efficiency projects. A Project Manager with healthcare IT or regulatory compliance experience is highly valued here. Hiring is steady, with a focus on internal promotions.

2. Community Medical Center (part of RWJBarnabas Health): Another major hospital system with a significant presence. Their projects often involve patient care initiatives, new department setups, and community health programs. They have a structured PMO and offer clear career progression.

3. Ocean County Government: As the county seat, Toms River is the hub for Ocean County government. Projects range from IT infrastructure and public works (road, bridge, and sewer projects) to social service program implementations. These jobs offer exceptional job security and benefits. They often require or prefer NJ Civil Service eligibility.

4. Toms River Regional Schools: One of the largest school districts in NJ. They manage projects related to technology integration (like 1:1 device programs), new school construction, and curriculum development. The pace is seasonal and tied to the academic calendar.

5. JCP&L (Jersey Central Power & Light): With a major operational hub in the area, JCP&L manages projects for grid modernization, storm hardening, and new service installations. These are often large-scale, technical projects requiring strong risk management and regulatory knowledge.

6. Construction & Engineering Firms: Companies like C.T. Male Associates or Gillmore & Associates have local offices. They handle public and private infrastructure projects. This sector is tied to the local economy's health, with ongoing demand for residential and commercial development.

Hiring Trends: There's a clear move toward hybrid or fully remote work for project coordination roles, but on-site presence is still expected for construction, healthcare, and government projects. Networking is critical. Attend events by the PMI Central Jersey Chapter or the Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. Many jobs are filled through referrals before they're even posted.

Getting Licensed in NJ

New Jersey does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers, unlike some professions (e.g., engineering, architecture). However, professional certifications are the de facto standard and are often required or strongly preferred by employers.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): Administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this is the gold standard. The exam costs $405 for members ($555 for non-members). You need 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of project management education. The process can take 3-6 months of study and application. In the Toms River market, a PMP can easily translate to a $10,000+ salary premium.

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): PMI's entry-level cert. It requires no experience, just 23 hours of education. Cost is $225 for members ($300 non-members). It's a great way to break into the field or signal your commitment if you're new to the role.

• Scrum Master Certifications (CSM, PSM): Critical for tech and software development projects. Offered by Scrum Alliance (CSM) and Scrum.org (PSM). Costs range from $995 (CSM) to $150 (PSM I). These are highly sought after by companies like JCP&L and healthcare IT departments.

Timeline & Cost Summary:

• Fastest Start: CAPM can be obtained in 2-3 months for under $400.
• Career Advancement: PMP takes 4-6 months of dedicated study and costs $405-$555, plus the cost of prep courses (hundreds to thousands).
• No state license is needed to work as a Project Manager in NJ.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Living in Toms River CDP isn't one-size-fits-all. Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Downtown Toms River: The heart of the action. You're close to the county government buildings, the courthouse, and many small professional offices. Walkable to restaurants and the waterfront. Commute to major employers is minimal (5-10 mins). Rent for a 1BR: $1,600 - $1,900/month. Best for young professionals who want a vibrant, walkable environment.

2. North Toms River (North of I-195): Quieter, more suburban feel with single-family homes and townhouses. A bit farther from downtown but an easy drive. Close to the Ocean County Mall area and shopping plazas. Good for those who want a bit more space and don't mind a 10-15 minute commute. Rent for a 1BR: $1,500 - $1,750/month.

3. South Toms River: More residential, with a mix of older and newer homes. It's farther from the main commercial hubs, so a car is a must. Offers a quieter lifestyle and often slightly lower rents. Commute to the hospital or downtown is about 15-20 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $1,400 - $1,650/month.

4. Lavallette/Seaside Heights (Barrier Island): If you want the quintessential Jersey Shore lifestyle, this is it. It's a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Toms River, but the commute can be heavy in summer. Rents are seasonal and can be higher, but the lifestyle is unique. Rent for a 1BR (annual lease, not seasonal): $1,800 - $2,200/month. Consider this if you work remotely or have a flexible schedule.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Route 37 (the main east-west artery) and the Garden State Parkway can be significant during rush hour. If you work at Ocean University Medical Center (in Brick, just over the bridge), living in North Toms River or Downtown will save you significant commute time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career path for a Project Manager in Toms River is more about specialization and moving between sectors than climbing a single corporate ladder. The 10-year outlook is stable, with growth in healthcare and infrastructure.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • IT/Software Development: +10-15% over base. Critical for hospitals and utilities.
  • Construction/Civil Engineering: +5-10% over base. Tied to local development and public works.
  • Healthcare/Regulatory: +8-12% over base. Highly valued at hospital systems.
  • Government/Public Sector: Often a lower base salary but with superior benefits, pension, and job security.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Vertical: Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Program Manager -> Director of PMO. This is most common in large organizations like the hospital systems and county government.
  2. Lateral: Move from a project role in healthcare to a similar role in education or utilities. This broadens your experience and makes you more resilient to economic shifts in one sector.
  3. Consulting: After gaining 10+ years of local experience, many PMs start their own consulting firms or join boutique agencies, serving the local business community. This offers higher earning potential but with less stability.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a baseline. The real growth will be in roles that blend traditional project management with data analysis, cybersecurity, and sustainability initiatives. For example, a PM who can manage a hospital's digital transformation or a utility's renewable energy project will be in high demand. The aging population ensures healthcare will remain a growth sector, and ongoing infrastructure needs guarantee public sector work.

The Verdict: Is Toms River CDP Right for You?

Toms River CDP offers a solid, stable career for Project Managers who value work-life balance and a reasonable cost of living over high-risk, high-reward opportunities. It's a market for builders, planners, and problem-solvers in essential sectors.

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary ($105,077) relative to cost of living.	Job market is not as dynamic as in major metros; fewer tech startup roles.
Stable employment in growing sectors (Healthcare, Education, Gov't).	Car-dependent. Public transit is limited.
Manageable cost of living compared to northern NJ/NYC.	Slower career pace. Advancement can be gradual.
Quality of life with beach access, parks, and a strong community feel.	Seasonal economy can affect some industries (e.g., construction, hospitality).
Central location to NYC, Philadelphia, and the Jersey Shore.	Networking is essential; it's a relationship-driven market.

Final Recommendation: Toms River CDP is an excellent choice for Project Managers who are mid-career or looking to establish a stable, long-term home base. It's particularly attractive if you work in healthcare, education, government, or infrastructure. If you're early in your career and seeking a high-energy, competitive tech scene, you may find it limiting. But for those who value a balanced life, a manageable commute, and a community with a strong professional backbone, Toms River is a smart, data-backed move.

FAQs

1. I'm moving from a major city like NYC. What will be the biggest adjustment?
The pace and the car. The work culture is more traditional; networking is face-to-face, and the 9-to-5 rhythm is stronger. You will need a reliable vehicle, and your social life will be less about spontaneous after-work events and more about community activities, beach trips, and local gatherings.

2. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers?
It's competitive but not cutthroat. With the right certifications (PMP is highly respected) and local experience, you'll stand out. The key is to target your applications to the major employers listed above and leverage local networking. The 191 open jobs indicate opportunity, but you need to be proactive.

3. Is the salary of $105,077 enough for a family?
It is a solid starting point for a single income family, but you would need to budget carefully, especially for housing and childcare. A two-income household, even with just one person earning a Project Manager salary, provides significant financial flexibility and makes homeownership much more attainable.

4. What's the best way to get local experience if I'm new to the area?
Start with contract or temporary roles through agencies like Robert Half or Aerotek. They often fill short-term project needs at local companies. This is an excellent way to get a foot in the door, build a local resume, and understand the market culture without a long-term commitment.

5. Are remote work options common?
Hybrid models are increasingly common for project coordination and PMO roles, especially at larger employers like the hospital systems and JCP&L. However, for construction, public works, and hands-on operational projects, on-site presence is still the norm. Be clear about your flexibility during interviews.