NEW JERSEY — New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase by 56 cents to $16.48 an hour for most employees beginning Jan. 1, 2027, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
The annual adjustment is based on increases in the Consumer Price Index, as required by the New Jersey Constitution and state regulations.
Agricultural workers will see their minimum wage increase from $14.20 to $15 an hour, marking the first time farm employees working for an hourly or piece-rate wage will reach the $15 benchmark established under a 2019 state law.
“Fair wages are the foundation of a strong economy,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “Reaching the $15 benchmark for our agricultural workforce is a particularly meaningful step toward ensuring equity across industries.”
Employees of seasonal and small employers with fewer than six employees will see their minimum wage increase from $15.23 to $16.25 an hour.
The minimum wage for direct care staff at long-term care facilities will increase by 56 cents to $19.48 an hour.
The minimum cash wage for tipped workers will rise from $6.05 to $6.61 an hour. The maximum tip credit employers can claim will remain at $9.87.
If a tipped employee’s cash wage and tips do not equal at least the state minimum wage, the employer is required to pay the difference.
Once scheduled statutory increases are completed for employees of small and seasonal employers in 2028 and agricultural workers in 2030, their minimum wage rates will continue to be adjusted annually based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.
