TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy touted his administration’s accomplishment of surpassing the $15 minimum wage campaign promise he made to New Jersey when he first ran for governor.
“As we begin a new year full of hope and optimism, we are incredibly proud that New Jersey’s statewide minimum wage is now over $15 an hour. When we first began our work together in January 2018, New Jersey’s minimum wage was only $8.60 per hour. Today, thanks to the bill signed into law in February 2019, we are one of only a handful of U.S. states with a minimum wage over $15 an hour. And it is also indexed annually to inflation, which means working families won’t fall behind when prices go up,” Murphy said. “Making life more affordable for New Jersey families is our highest priority. Today, over 350,000 hourly workers will benefit from this much needed boost in earnings — a long and hard fought victory for working families across our state.”
New Jersey’s minimum wage increased to $15.13 per hour for most employees on January 1, 2024, surpassing the goal set by Governor Murphy and the Legislature in 2019. This increase marks a significant rise from the $8.60 per hour when Governor Murphy took office in 2018. The legislation, aimed at improving the quality of life for New Jersey workers and securing a better future for their families, was a key priority for Murphy’s administration.
The law includes provisions for different types of employers and workers. Seasonal and small employers (those with six or fewer employees) have until 2026 to reach the $15 per hour wage, with their minimum hourly wage increasing to $13.73/hour on January 1, 2024, up from $12.93/hour. Agricultural workers have a separate timetable and will reach the $15/hour minimum wage by 2027. Their minimum hourly wage increased to $12.81/hour, up from $12.01/hour. Long-term care facility direct care staff saw their minimum wage rise by $1, to $18.13/hour.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development sets the minimum wage each year using the higher of the rate specified in the law or a calculation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Once the minimum wage reaches $15 per hour, it will continue to increase annually based on any increase in the CPI.
Tipped workers’ cash wage remains at $5.26/hour, with employers able to claim a $9.87 tip credit, an increase of $1. If the combined cash wage and tips do not equal at least the state minimum wage, the employer must pay the difference.
These changes are part of broader efforts to ensure that everyone working in New Jersey has access to a livable wage and reflect the state’s commitment to valuing its workforce. Governor Murphy and Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo expressed their pride in reaching this milestone and their dedication to supporting New Jersey workers and businesse