Registered Nurse in Camden, NJ

The Salary Picture: Where Camden Stands

As a Camden local who’s watched the nursing market evolve, I can tell you the salary landscape here is solid, competitive, and more affordable than many nearby metro areas. The median salary for a Registered Nurse in the Camden metro area is $86,973/year, translating to an hourly rate of $41.81/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $86,070/year, which is a key advantage for a city with Camden's cost of living.

When you break it down by experience, you get a clearer picture of the earning trajectory:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Setting
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $79,000	Med-Surg, New Grad Residency Programs
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $95,000	Specialties (ER, ICU, Cardiac), Charge Nurse
Senior (8-15 years)	$96,000 - $110,000	Unit Manager, Clinical Educator, NP/PA Track
Expert (15+ years)	$110,000+	Director of Nursing, Advanced Practice, Administration

Compared to other New Jersey cities, Camden holds its own. While New York City and Newark salaries are higher (often in the $95k-$110k range), the difference is largely erased by the astronomical cost of living there. In South Jersey, Camden’s median salary of $86,973 is competitive with Philadelphia’s suburbs (like Cherry Hill or Marlton) but with a significantly lower housing burden. The 10-year job growth is a steady 6%, indicating stable demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle. With 639 active nursing jobs in the metro area, the market is active but not oversaturated.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. For a Registered Nurse earning the median salary of $86,973/year, the take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, FICA) is approximately $65,000 - $68,000 per year, or about $5,400 - $5,600 per month. This is a rough estimate; your actual take-home depends on your filing status, benefits deductions, and 403(b)/401(k) contributions.

Against this, the average 1BR rent in Camden is $1,451/month. This leaves you with a comfortable $3,900 - $4,100 monthly for all other expenses (utilities, car, groceries, student loans, savings). This is a manageable ratio, especially if you budget wisely.

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but not impossible. The Camden metro median home price hovers around $275,000. With a 20% down payment ($55,000), a mortgage, taxes, and insurance would run roughly $1,800-$2,000/month. On a $86,973 salary, this is tight but doable with disciplined saving and a dual-income household. Many nurses in the area partner with a spouse or partner, or they invest in more affordable towns just outside the city limits (like Pennsauken or Collingswood).

Where the Jobs Are: Camden's Major Employers

Camden’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few major players, with opportunities in both acute care and community health.

1. Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital: The largest employer in the region. They have a massive ER, a Level II Trauma Center, and strong cardiac and oncology programs. Hiring is frequent for Med-Surg, Telemetry, and ER. Pro tip: Their nurse residency program is one of the best for new grads in South Jersey.
2. Cooper University Health Care: A major academic medical center and Level I Trauma Center (the only one in South Jersey). They are known for high-acuity cases, research, and specialties like neurology and transplant. Salaries here trend toward the higher end of the local scale, especially for experienced RNs in critical care. Hiring is competitive; having a BSN and some experience is a major advantage.
3. CAMC (Cooper University Hospital at Camden): While part of Cooper, their outpatient and specialty clinics (like the Cancer Institute) offer day-shift, Monday-Friday roles with no weekends or holidays—a huge lifestyle perk for many nurses.
4. Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine: While not a hospital, this major academic institution employs RNs for student health clinics, research, and administrative roles. It’s a great alternative for those seeking a non-hospital setting.
5. Jefferson Health (New Jersey): With facilities in nearby Cherry Hill and Stratford, Jefferson is a growing presence. They offer roles in specialty clinics, surgery centers, and inpatient units, often with a focus on innovation and patient-centered care.
6. Camden County Health Department: For public health nurses, this is the key employer. Roles focus on community outreach, immunizations, and disease prevention. The pace is different from hospital nursing but offers a stable, day-shift schedule.
7. Private Practices & Specialty Clinics: The region is dotted with large nephrology, cardiology, and oncology practices (like South Jersey Radiology Associates) that hire RNs for infusion, dialysis, and patient coordination.

Hiring Trend: There’s a strong demand for nurses with experience in telemetry, critical care (ICU/CCU), and oncology. New grad hiring is steady at Virtua and Cooper, but competition is higher for the most desirable specialties and shifts.

Getting Licensed in NJ

New Jersey’s licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The New Jersey Board of Nursing (under the Division of Consumer Affairs) is your governing body.

Requirements:

• NCLEX-RN Pass: You must pass the National Council Licensure Examination.
• Education: Graduation from an accredited nursing program (diploma, Associate, or BSN).
• Background Check: A criminal history background check is mandatory.
• Application & Fees: Submit an online application through the NJ Board of Nursing website. The total initial licensure cost is approximately $150-$200, covering the application, background check, and initial license fee.

Timeline: The process typically takes 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application. If you’re licensed in another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement if you have an active, unencumbered license and have worked at least 2 years. Compact state nurses (PA is not compact, but many others are) have an easier path, but you must still declare NJ as your primary state of residence if you live and work here.

Insider Tip: Start your application process before you move. The background check can take time, and having your license in hand makes you a much more attractive candidate to employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Living in or near Camden is key for managing commute times, especially for those 12-hour shifts. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Proximity	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Cooper/Virtua
Waterfront/Downtown	Urban, walkable, near Rutgers and the Aquarium. Newer apartments.	$1,600 - $1,900	5-10 min drive, 15 min walk
Cramer Hill	Residential, diverse, more affordable. Close to Virtua Lourdes.	$1,300 - $1,500	10-15 min drive
Cooper Grant	Quiet, historic, near Cooper medical campus. Mostly row homes.	$1,400 - $1,700	5 min drive, 20 min walk
Collingswood (1 mile west)	Quaint, walkable downtown, excellent schools. Very popular with healthcare workers.	$1,600 - $2,000	15-20 min drive
Pennsauken (2 miles west)	Suburban, diverse, more single-family homes. Easy highway access.	$1,400 - $1,700	20-25 min drive

Personal Insight: Many nurses choose Collingswood or Pennsauken for the slightly more residential feel, better schools (if they have families), and still-reasonable commutes. The Waterfront area is ideal if you want to be in the heart of the city's revitalization and avoid driving altogether—a huge perk for night shift workers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Camden offers a solid path for career advancement, especially if you’re proactive.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest-paying specialties are Critical Care (ICU/CCU), Emergency Department, OR (Operating Room), and Labor & Delivery. Pursuing certifications in these areas (like CCRN, CEN, or CPN) can boost your salary by $5,000-$10,000 annually. Oncology is another high-demand, well-compensated field due to the presence of Cooper’s cancer center.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional ladder is Charge Nurse -> Unit Manager -> Director of Nursing. However, many nurses pivot to Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) roles. Philadelphia’s top-tier nursing schools (UPenn, Drexel) are a short commute for graduate programs. Alternatively, move into nursing education, informatics, or quality improvement within the hospital systems.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth ensures stability. The aging population in the region guarantees ongoing demand. With the rise of outpatient care and telehealth, new roles will emerge. Nurses with a BSN (or higher) and specialized certifications will be the most resilient and have the greatest earning potential. The key is to build experience in a high-demand specialty early on.

The Verdict: Is Camden Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, competitive salaries ($86,973 median) relative to cost of living.	Urban challenges: Some areas have higher crime rates; you must be street-smart.
Diverse healthcare landscape with two major academic medical centers.	Commute stress: Traffic on Route 295 and the Ben Franklin Bridge can be heavy.
Lower housing costs than Philadelphia or North Jersey.	Property taxes in Camden County can be high, even if rent is moderate.
Access to Philadelphia for culture, dining, and specialized healthcare.	Limited green space within the city itself; you’ll need to drive for parks.
Stable job market with a 6% growth rate.	Wage growth may plateau without pursuing advanced degrees or certifications.

Final Recommendation: Camden is an excellent choice for nurses who are value-driven—those who want a solid salary without the punishing cost of living of a major coastal metropolis. It’s ideal for both new grads looking for robust residency programs and experienced nurses seeking to specialize in high-acuity fields. If you’re adaptable, enjoy a diverse community, and don’t mind a gritty-but-reviving urban environment, Camden offers a sustainable and rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. Is it safe for a nurse to live alone in Camden?
Yes, many do, but it requires choosing your neighborhood wisely. The Waterfront, Cooper Grant, and Cramer Hill are generally considered safe and populated by students and professionals. Always research specific block-by-block, lock your doors, and be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any city.

2. What is the typical schedule for a nurse in Camden?
The most common is the three 12-hour shifts per week format (e.g., 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. – 7 a.m.). This leaves four days off but can be physically demanding. Many hospitals also offer weekend-only programs (Friday-Sunday) or day shift (5 days, 8 hours) roles in outpatient clinics.

3. Do I need a BSN to get hired in Camden?
While not an absolute requirement for all positions, it is highly recommended and often required for specialty units and at Cooper University Health Care. Many hospitals have "BSN Preferred" or "BSN Required" in their job postings. Having your BSN will make you more competitive and can lead to higher starting pay.

4. How does the commute from Philadelphia work?
It’s very common. The drive from Center City Philly to Camden is 10-20 minutes via I-676 or the bridge. Many nurses use the PATCO Speedline (from 12/13th St in Philly to the Broadway station in Camden) and then take a short Uber or bus. However, NJ licensure is mandatory to work in Camden hospitals, regardless of where you live.

5. Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
Absolutely. All major hospitals (Virtua, Cooper) and many outpatient clinics hire per-diem and part-time nurses. This is a great way to supplement income, gain experience in different units, or maintain flexibility. However, per-diem roles typically do not offer benefits like health insurance or paid time off.