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Minimum Wage in New Jersey

New Jersey's minimum wage is $15.92 per hour in 2026 for most employers, the tipped cash wage is $6.05, and the rate rises to $16.48 on January 1, 2027.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

New Jersey at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$15.92
Employers with fewer than 6 employees and seasonal employers pay $15.23 in 2026.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$6.05
The maximum tip credit is fixed at $9.87 per hour, so the cash wage is the minimum wage minus $9.87.
Next scheduled increase
$16.48 on January 1, 2027
Adjusted each January 1 for inflation (CPI-W). Small and seasonal employers follow a separate schedule.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in New Jersey

What is the minimum wage in New Jersey in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in New Jersey: $15.92. Employers with fewer than 6 employees and seasonal employers pay $15.23 in 2026.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in New Jersey?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in New Jersey: $6.05. The maximum tip credit is fixed at $9.87 per hour, so the cash wage is the minimum wage minus $9.87.

When is the next minimum wage increase in New Jersey?

Next scheduled increase in New Jersey: $16.48 on January 1, 2027. Adjusted each January 1 for inflation (CPI-W). Small and seasonal employers follow a separate schedule.

Where do the New Jersey minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from N.J. Stat. 34:11-56a4. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.