TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s statewide minimum wage will rise by 43 cents to $15.92 per hour for most employees starting Jan. 1, 2026, the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced.
Under the law, workers employed by seasonal and small businesses will continue to see phased increases until 2028. Their minimum hourly wage will rise to $15.23 in January, up from $14.53.
The Department of Labor sets the minimum wage each year based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in accordance with the state constitution.
“Eight years ago, Governor Murphy pledged a stronger, fairer economy, and we’re delivering on this commitment by raising New Jersey’s minimum wage again,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This increase will provide vital support to all Garden State workers by making the dream of a livable wage reality.”
When Gov. Phil Murphy took office in 2018, the state minimum wage was $8.60 per hour. Increasing the wage was identified as a top priority, and legislation signed in February 2019 set a path for gradual raises, including reaching $15.13 an hour on Jan. 1, 2024, for most employees.
Agricultural workers follow a separate wage schedule, with increases continuing until 2030. Their hourly minimum will rise to $14.20 in 2026, up from $13.40. Direct care staff in long-term care facilities will see their rate increase by 43 cents, to $18.92 per hour.
Tipped workers will see their minimum cash wage rise to $6.05 from $5.62, while the maximum employer tip credit will remain $9.87. Employers are required to make up the difference if a worker’s tips plus the minimum cash wage do not equal at least the state minimum wage.
Once the statutory increases for seasonal, small-employer, and farm workers are completed in 2028 and 2030, their wages will rise annually with inflation, as will wages for other employees, under the state constitution.
More information on the minimum wage and tipped worker rights is available at nj.gov/labor.
