This N.J. Superintendent Just Hit a $322K Paycheck — Here’s How Much Your District Might Be Paying

New Jersey school superintendent salaries are again shown, and one district leader stands out. With budgets tight, costs rising, and demands rising, the state’s highest-paid superintendent makes $322,272, raising questions about school administrators’ pay.

New Jersey’s largest and busiest district, Jersey City Public Schools, is led by Norma Fernandez. She is one of few school leaders earning over $300,000. Three years ago, Fernandez became Jersey City superintendent after 40 years as a principal.

New state data shows Fernandez isn’t alone at the top. Five New Jersey superintendents made over $300,000 last year, and 17 made over $270,000, indicating rising pay for education leaders.

The average New Jersey superintendent salary rose 2% to $197,444 last year, despite being high. This small increase shows that the state’s economy is growing despite some superintendents’ high pay. The data only includes full-time district workers without other titles.

NJ superintendents earn more than the national average. New Jersey superintendents earn $66,000 more than the national average of $131,171. Due to the state’s crowded districts, high cost of living, and high hiring standards for one of the nation’s most complicated public school systems.

Not every NJ school district has a full-time superintendent. Because of cost-cutting agreements, 45 districts share a superintendent and 55 have principals. Smaller districts without high schools use these arrangements.

Districts report their own annual numbers, so leadership may have changed roles or districts. The latest numbers provide one of the best looks at superintendent pay in New Jersey as school districts face new academic, financial, and staffing pressures.

Superintendent salaries are a hot topic in school finance due to rising expectations, changing student needs, and increased responsibilities. Parents and taxpayers across the state are again examining their district’s top leader’s salary for the new school year.