Minimum wage in New Jersey in 2026
$15.92 per hour1
per hourGeneral rate since January 1, 2026
Rank among states and DC8of 51
Next change$16.48on January 1, 2027 (in 92 days)
Since 2018Full historyWeekly, 40 hours$636.80
Monthly, 52 weeks ÷ 12$2,759.47
Annual, 2,080 hours$33,113.60
Overtime, 1.5×$23.88
Year 2026
Rates in force during 2026
| Applies to | Rate | Effective | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
StandardSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49 January 1, 2026 $15.92 $15.23 $14.20 $6.05 $18.92
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.92January 1, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
3 rates in force
Rates by worker type, industry and employer size
The highest rate that fits the job applies.
| Applies to | Rate | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| All industries | ||
1–5 employeesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49 January 1, 2026 $15.92 $15.23 $14.20 $6.05 $18.92
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.23January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2026 |
| Agriculture | ||
Employees paid hourly or piece-rate to labor on a farmSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49 January 1, 2026 $15.92 $15.23 $14.20 $6.05 $18.92
Verified September 26, 2026 | $14.20January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2026 |
| long term care | ||
Direct care staff at long-term care facilitiesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49 January 1, 2026 $15.92 $15.23 $14.20 $6.05 $18.92
Verified September 26, 2026 | $18.92January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2026 |
4 on record
Scheduled increases
Future rates already set in law or certified. Projected rows are marked.
- in 92 days
was $14.20$15.00Agriculture · employees paid hourly or piece-rate to labor on a farmSource
(3) To N.J.A.C. 12:56-3.3(a): the date, January 1, 2026, must be replaced by the date, January 1, 2027, and the amount, $14.20, must be replaced by the amount, $15.00.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
- Notes
- Statutory farm rate $15.00 exceeds the CPI-adjusted $14.70 (N.J.S.A. 34:11-56a4(d)).
Verified September 26, 2026
- in 92 days
was $15.92$16.48General rateSource
(1) To N.J.A.C. 12:56-3.1(a): the date, January 1, 2026, must be replaced by the date, January 1, 2027, and the amount, $15.92, must be replaced by the amount, $16.48.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
Verified September 26, 2026
- in 92 days
was $15.23$16.251–5 employeesSource
(2) To N.J.A.C. 12:56-3.2(a): the date, January 1, 2026, must be replaced by the date, January 1, 2027, and the amount, $15.23, must be replaced by the amount, $16.25.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
- Notes
- Small employers (fewer than 6 employees); statutory rate $16.25 exceeds the CPI-adjusted $15.77 (N.J.S.A. 34:11-56a4(c)).
Verified September 26, 2026
- in 92 days
was $18.92$19.48Long term care · direct care staff at long-term care facilitiesSource
Date Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49 January 1, 2026 $15.92 $15.23 $14.20 $6.05 $18.92 January 1, 2027* $16.48 $16.25 $15 $6.61 $19.48
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
- Notes
- Long-term care facility direct care staff wage is $3.00 above the most-employers rate (P.L.2020, c.89).
Verified September 26, 2026
2018 to 2027
History
Each step is a rate row with its own quoted source.
$0$5$10$15$2020182020202220242026Today$8.60$16.482027Federal minimum $7.25
Show the history as a table
| Applies to | Rate | Effective | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
StandardSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49 January 1, 2026 $15.92 $15.23 $14.20 $6.05 $18.92
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.92January 1, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
StandardSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.49January 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
StandardSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.13January 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2025 |
StandardSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13
Verified September 26, 2026 | $14.13January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2024 |
StandardSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16
Verified September 26, 2026 | $13.00January 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2022 | January 1, 2023 |
StandardSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.00January 1, 2021 – January 1, 2022 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2022 |
StandardSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.00January 1, 2020 – January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2020 | January 1, 2021 |
StandardSource: P.L.2019, c.32Governor Phil Murphy today lauded New Jersey’s historic increase in the minimum wage from $8.85 per hour to $10 per hour taking effect today, July 1st, 2019, putting our state on a path to a $15 minimum wage.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $10.00July 1, 2019 – January 1, 2020 | July 1, 2019 | January 1, 2020 |
StandardSourceTherefore, pursuant to Article 1, Paragraph 23, of the New Jersey Constitution, and N.J.A.C. 12:56-3.1(b), the State minimum hourly wage rate, effective January 1, 2019, must be changed from $8.60 to $8.85.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $8.85January 1, 2019 – July 1, 2019 | January 1, 2019 | July 1, 2019 |
StandardSourceevery employee shall, effective January 1, 2018, be paid not less than $8.60 per hour
Verified September 26, 2026 | $8.60January 1, 2018 – January 1, 2019 | January 1, 2018 | January 1, 2019 |
Earlier rules by employer size, worker type and condition (18)
| Applies to | Rate | Effective | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| All industries | |||
1–5 employeesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49
Verified September 26, 2026 | $14.53January 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
1–5 employeesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13
Verified September 26, 2026 | $13.73January 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2025 |
1–5 employeesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.93January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2024 |
1–5 employeesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.90January 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2022 | January 1, 2023 |
1–5 employeesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.10January 1, 2021 – January 1, 2022 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2022 |
1–5 employeesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20
Verified September 26, 2026 | $10.30January 1, 2020 – January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2020 | January 1, 2021 |
| Agriculture | |||
Employees paid hourly or piece-rate to labor on a farmSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49
Verified September 26, 2026 | $13.40January 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
Employees paid hourly or piece-rate to labor on a farmSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.81January 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2025 |
Employees paid hourly or piece-rate to labor on a farmSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.01January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2024 |
Employees paid hourly or piece-rate to labor on a farmSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.05January 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2022 | January 1, 2023 |
Employees paid hourly or piece-rate to labor on a farmSource(3) To N.J.A.C. 12:56-3.3(a): the date, January 1, 2021, must be replaced by the date, January 1, 2022, and the amount, $10.44, must be replaced by the amount, $11.05.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $10.44January 1, 2021 – January 1, 2022 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2022 |
Employees paid hourly or piece-rate to labor on a farmSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20
Verified September 26, 2026 | $10.30January 1, 2020 – January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2020 | January 1, 2021 |
| long term care | |||
Direct care staff at long-term care facilitiesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49
Verified September 26, 2026 | $18.49January 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
Direct care staff at long-term care facilitiesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13
Verified September 26, 2026 | $18.13January 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2025 |
Direct care staff at long-term care facilitiesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13
Verified September 26, 2026 | $17.13January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2024 |
Direct care staff at long-term care facilitiesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16
Verified September 26, 2026 | $16.00January 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2022 | January 1, 2023 |
Direct care staff at long-term care facilitiesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00January 1, 2021 – January 1, 2022 | January 1, 2021 | January 1, 2022 |
Direct care staff at long-term care facilitiesSourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20
Verified September 26, 2026 | $14.00November 1, 2020 – January 1, 2021 | November 1, 2020 | January 1, 2021 |
BLS · May 2025
How the minimum compares with typical pay in New Jersey
57%of the median hourly wage
The median hourly wage across all occupations in New Jersey is $28.16 and the mean is $37.52 (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates). The minimum wage of $15.92 is 57% of the median; the 10th-percentile wage is $16.56, so roughly the lowest-paid tenth of workers earn within $0.64 of the minimum. BLS
| Applies to | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $15.92 |
| 10th percentile | $16.56 |
| 25th percentile | $18.94 |
| Median | $28.16 |
| Mean | $37.52 |
10 rules · September 27, 2026
Labor law basics in New Jersey
What the law adds on top of the hourly rate. Follow the citation for exceptions.
Overtime
Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours of actual work in a seven-day workweek; New Jersey requires no daily, holiday, Saturday or Sunday overtime. (non-exempt employees)
Source
A. Overtime is paid at the rate of time and one half after forty hours of actual work in a seven-day workweek, with the exception of certain salaried employees who meet the definition of an executive, administrative or professional. Q. Does my employer have to pay me overtime or double time for working on a holiday, Saturday, or Sunday? A. No. Overtime must be paid at a rate of time and one-half times the employee's regular rate of pay for each hour actually worked in excess of 40 hours in the workweek.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Meal breaks
All minors under 18 must be given a 30-minute meal break after 6 continuous hours of work, and breaks shorter than 30 minutes do not interrupt continuous work. (minors under 18)
Source
All minors must be given a 30-minute meal break after 6 continuous hours of work. Breaks less than 30 minutes do not count as an interruption of continuous work.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
- Notes
- The NJDOL worker FAQ (us-nj-dol-worker-faqs) still says the minors' meal break is due after 5 consecutive hours; the more detailed young-workers page says 6 continuous hours (see N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.4). New Jersey has no meal or rest break requirement for adult workers (worker FAQ: company policy decides).
Verified September 27, 2026
Pay frequency
Most employers must pay wages at least twice each calendar month on regular paydays designated in advance; certain executive, supervisory and special classes may be paid monthly.
Source
A. Most employers are required to pay wages at least twice during each calendar month, on regular paydays designated in advance by the employer. However, for certain executive, supervisory, or other special classes of workers, payment can be made once a month as long as there is a regularly established schedule.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Final paycheck
An employer may pay final wages on the next regular payday for the pay period, whether the employee quit or was fired.
Source
Q. When does an employer have to pay final wages to a terminated employee? A. The employer may wait until the next regular payday designated for the pay period regardless of whether the employee quit or was fired.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Paid sick leave
Employers of all sizes must give full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary employees up to 40 hours of paid sick time a year, accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked (or frontloaded).
Source
Employers of all sizes are required to provide full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees with up to 40 hours of paid sick time per year to care for themselves or loved ones, or to attend school-related conferences or events. Earned sick leave is accrued at a rate of one hour of leave time for every 30 hours worked. Employers may frontload sick leave at the start of the year.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Tips
Employers may take a tip credit by paying part of the minimum wage in cash and the balance through earned tips, but tips are the employee's sole property and the employer may not take any portion of them. (tipped workers)
Source
Employers of tipped workers are permitted to take a “tip credit” toward their obligation to pay the minimum wage by paying a portion in cash to the employees with the balance of the minimum wage made up in earned tips. Tips are the sole property of the employee, and an employer may not take any portion of the workers earned tips for any purpose.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Young workers' hours
During school weeks 16- and 17-year-olds may work at most 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, and 14- and 15-year-olds at most 3 hours on a school day, 8 hours on a Saturday or Sunday and 18 hours a week, with no minor working more than 6 consecutive days. (minors under 18 (working papers required))
Source
During school weeks If you are 16 or 17: No more than 40 hours per week No more than 8 hours per day No more than 6 consecutive days in a work week Not before 6am or after 11pm Not before 6am or after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays or days not followed by a school day If you are 14 or 15: No more than 18 hours per week No more than 3 hours per day on school days No more than 8 hours per day on Saturday or Sunday No more than 6 consecutive days in a work week Not before 7am or after 7pm with limited exceptions
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
- Notes
- Between the last day of school and Labor Day, 16- and 17-year-olds may work up to 10 hours a day and 50 hours a week.
Verified September 27, 2026
Required poster
Employers must display the required New Jersey Department of Labor posters where workers can easily see them, in the workers' language if available; they can be downloaded or requested free in print.
Source
Employers must display required NJ Department of Labor (NJDOL) posters where workers can easily view them and in their language if available. Download the required posters at nj.gov/labor/posters or email [email protected] for free printed copies.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Recovering unpaid wages
Workers owed money can file a wage complaint with NJDOL's Division of Wage and Hour Compliance online or by mail, within the 6-year statute of limitations for unpaid minimum wage, overtime and other claims.
Source
Q. Is there a statute of limitations on filing a wage complaint? A. Yes. There is a six (6) year statute of limitations on complaints for unpaid minimum wage, overtime and all other complaints. Q. What do I do if my employer did not pay me all the money I am owed? A. You can file a wage complaint for monies due. You may file a wage complaint online or by mail.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Overtime-exempt salary threshold
Executive, administrative and professional employees are exempt from minimum wage and overtime only if they meet the duties tests and are paid a salary of at least $684 per week ($35,568 a year). (executive, administrative, professional and outside sales employees)
Source: 29 C.F.R. Part 541
To qualify for exemption, employees generally must meet certain tests regarding their job duties and be paid on a salary basis at not less than $684 per week.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
- Notes
- The 2024 rule raising the level to $844/$1,128 was vacated in November 2024; DOL enforces the 2019 level of $684.
Verified September 26, 2026
$15.92 / hour
Calculators
Estimates before tax at this rate. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What this wage pays
| Weekly | $636.80 |
|---|---|
| Monthly52 weeks ÷ 12 | $2,759.47 |
| Annual52 weeks | $33,113.60 |
| Overtime rate1.5× where overtime applies | $23.88 |
4 questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey in 2026?
$15.92 per hour since January 1, 2026. For a 40-hour week that is about $636.80 a week or $33,113.60 a year before tax.
When does the minimum wage in New Jersey go up next?
$16.48 per hour on January 1, 2027.
Is there a lower tipped minimum wage in New Jersey?
No separate tipped rate is on record for New Jersey; tipped employees are owed the full $15.92 per hour before tips, unless a higher-level rule sets one.
How does New Jersey compare with other states?
New Jersey's $15.92 ranks 8 of 51 state general rates, against a federal floor of $7.25.
2 levels of law
How this rate is resolved
The highest minimum that covers the work location applies.
Employers must pay the highest minimum that covers the work location. WageTable checks each level in turn:
- United States
- New Jersey
New Jersey sets 4 rules of its own.
Notes on this jurisdiction's rules and sources
Minimum wage CPI-W adjusted each January 1 (N.J. Const. art. I, para. 23; N.J.S.A. 34:11-56a4; N.J.A.C. 12:56-3.1). Seasonal employees and employees of small employers (fewer than 6 employees) follow a slower schedule to 2028 (N.J.S.A. 34:11-56a4(c)); farm labor follows its own schedule to 2030 (34:11-56a4(d)); long-term care facility direct care staff get the most-employers rate plus $3.00. History before 2018 is not yet sourced.
New Jersey
Enforcement
Enforced by New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Wage and Hour Compliance. Employers must display the official minimum wage poster.
Underpaid?File a wage claim