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What is the minimum wage in New Jersey?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

New Jersey minimum wage is governed by the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law, N.J.S.A. §§ 34:11-56a to 34:11-56a38.

1. Tiered Rates (Effective Jan. 1, 2025)

| Category | Rate |

|---|---|

| Most employers (6+ employees) | $15.49 |

| Small employers (<6 employees) | $14.53 |

| Seasonal employers | $14.53 |

| Agricultural workers | $13.40 |

| Long-term care direct-care staff | $18.49 ($3 above standard) |

| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $5.62 |

2. 2019 Phase-In Law (P.L. 2019, c. 32)

NJ phased in $15 over 2019-2024 for most employers; small/seasonal employers reach $15 by Jan. 1, 2026. After reaching $15, the rate is indexed annually to CPI-W.

3. Long-Term Care Premium

N.J.S.A. 34:11-56a4(d)(1) — direct-care staff in long-term care facilities receive $3/hour above the standard minimum wage. In 2025: $15.49 + $3 = $18.49.

4. Tipped Workers

Cash wage of $5.62 with tip credit up to $9.87, totaling $15.49 — so tipped workers must reach the $15.49 standard with tips. If not, employer makes up the difference.

5. Local Preemption

NJ does not have an explicit local-preemption statute, but the Wage and Hour Law occupies the field, and no NJ municipality has successfully enacted a higher local minimum wage for private employers.

6. Overtime (N.J.A.C. 12:56-6.1)

  • 1.5x after 40 hours/week.
  • No daily overtime.
  • Hospital employees may use a 14-day "8/80" period instead of 40-hour week (federal rule).

    • 7. Salary Threshold

    NJ uses the federal $684/week threshold for the executive/admin/professional exemption.

    8. Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (2024)

    The Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights (P.L. 2023, c. 263, effective July 2024) extends minimum wage, overtime, paid rest breaks, written agreements, and anti-harassment protections to domestic workers (housekeepers, nannies, caregivers).

    9. Enforcement

    New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), Division of Wage and Hour Compliance. The Wage Theft Act (P.L. 2019, c. 212) provides:

  • Treble damages for unpaid wages.
  • 6-year statute of limitations.
  • Personal liability for company officers/owners.
  • Criminal penalties for repeat violations.

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You're a long-term care worker not paid the $3 premium
    • You want treble damages under the Wage Theft Act
    • You're a domestic worker denied minimum wage or written agreement
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • N.J.S.A. 34:11-56a4
    • N.J.S.A. 34:11-56a25
    • N.J.A.C. 12:56-6.1
    • N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.1 (Wage Payment Law)
    • P.L. 2019, c. 32
    • P.L. 2019, c. 212 (Wage Theft Act)

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.