New Jersey minimum wage 2026–2027: $15.23–$15.92 now, $16.48 on January 1, 2027
New Jersey's minimum wage is $15.92 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $8.67 more than the federal $7.25. The next change is on January 1, 2027: $16.48 an hour (+$0.56, 3.5%), announced by the state. Seasonal and small employers $16.25; tipped cash wage $6.61; long-term care direct care staff $19.48.
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New Jersey minimum wage pay calculator
New Jersey minimum wage rates
| Who | Rate | From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most workers (state rate) | $15.92 | January 1, 2026 | official |
| Seasonal and small employers (fewer than 6 employees) | $15.23 | now | official |
| Scheduled increase | $16.48 | January 1, 2027 | announcement |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $6.05 | now | official |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $6.61 | January 1, 2027 | official |
When does the New Jersey minimum wage go up?
The next change is on January 1, 2027: $16.48 an hour (+$0.56, 3.5%), announced by the state. Seasonal and small employers $16.25; tipped cash wage $6.61; long-term care direct care staff $19.48. Adjusted each January 1 by the CPI.
Tipped workers in New Jersey
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $6.05 an hour and count up to $9.87 of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $15.92 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference. From January 1, 2027 the tipped cash wage is $6.61.
Who is covered, and who can be paid less
Seasonal and small employers (fewer than 6 employees): $15.23 an hour. New Jersey publishes no separate youth rate; the federal law allows $4.25 for workers under 20 in their first 90 days only where the state rate does not apply. Jobs covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act never get less than $7.25.
New Jersey minimum wage history
On January 1, 2020 the New Jersey minimum wage was $11.00; today it is $15.92 – up $4.92, or 44.7%.
| January 1 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $11.00 | $12.00 | $13.00 | $14.13 | $15.13 | $15.49 | $15.92 |
How New Jersey compares
New Jersey ranks 8th of the 50 states and D.C. The average statewide minimum wage is $11.53; New Jersey's $15.92 is $4.39 above it. Neighbors: Delaware $15.00, New York $16.00–$17.00, Pennsylvania $7.25.
Overtime and pay rules
Overtime: Over 40 hours a week, at one and a half times the regular rate. A full-time week at the minimum wage pays $636.80; with 5 overtime hours it is $756.20.
Where to get help
The minimum wage in New Jersey is enforced by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Wage and Hour; wage claims: nj.gov. The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints in every state at 1-866-487-9243, and your name is kept confidential.
New Jersey minimum wage questions
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey right now?
$15.23–$15.92 an hour for most adult workers (Seasonal and small employers (fewer than 6 employees): $15.23). New Jersey's minimum wage is $15.92 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $8.67 more than the federal $7.25.
What will the New Jersey minimum wage be in 2027?
$16.48 an hour from January 1, 2027 – announced by the state.
What is the tipped minimum wage in New Jersey?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $6.05 an hour and count up to $9.87 of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $15.92 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference. From January 1, 2027 the tipped cash wage is $6.61.
How much is the New Jersey minimum wage per year?
At $15.92 an hour and 40 hours a week, $636.80 a week, about $2,759 a month and $33,114 a year before taxes. At the 2027 rate of $16.48: $34,278 a year.
Where do I report unpaid minimum wage in New Jersey?
With the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Wage and Hour – or with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243). Keep your pay stubs and a record of your hours.
Other states
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division – State Minimum Wage Laws, Consolidated Minimum Wage Table and Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026 editions), the DOL's history table, and each state's and city's own labor department pages, linked on every state page. Checked October 16, 2026. Rates are for most adult, non-exempt workers; some jobs, industries and employers are exempt or have other rates. This is general information, not legal advice – the state labor department has the final word.