New Jersey Minimum Wage in 2026: $15.92 an Hour
The minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.92 an hour since January 1, 2026, $8.67 above the federal minimum. Full time that is $33,114 a year before tax.
New Jersey minimum wage at a glance
| Minimum wage (general rate) | $15.92 an hour |
|---|---|
| Most employers | $15.92 an hour |
| Seasonal employers and employers with fewer than 6 employees | $15.23 an hour |
| In effect since | January 1, 2026 |
| Next change | $16.48 on Jan 1, 2027 |
| Tipped cash wage | $6.05 an hour |
| Overtime rate | $23.88 an hour |
| Federal minimum | $7.25 an hour |
Seasonal employers and employers with fewer than 6 employees may pay $15.23 in 2026 ($16.25 in 2027), and farm and long-term care direct care staff have separate rates.
What $15.92 an hour pays
| A week (40 hours) | $636.80 |
|---|---|
| A 50-hour week with overtime | $875.60 |
| A month | $2,759 |
| A year | $33,114 |
| Take-home a year (single) | $28,015 |
New Jersey and its neighbors
| State | Minimum wage | Full time, a year |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $15.92 | $33,114 |
| New York | $16 | $33,280 |
| Delaware | $15 | $31,200 |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25 | $15,080 |
For employers in New Jersey
- Pay at least $15.92 an hour, and $16.48 from January 1, 2027; a higher city or county rate applies where it exists.
- Overtime: time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
- Pay transparency: Postings for new jobs and transfers, internal or external, must include the hourly wage or salary (or a range) and a general description of benefits and other compensation programs. Details →
- A full-time hire at $15.92 an hour costs more than $33,114 once payroll taxes and insurance are added. Employee cost calculator →
Source: www.nj.gov, checked October 12, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Minimum wage in other states
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey in 2026?
$15.92 an hour, since January 1, 2026. Seasonal employers and employers with fewer than 6 employees may pay $15.23 in 2026 ($16.25 in 2027), and farm and long-term care direct care staff have separate rates.
How much is the New Jersey minimum wage a year?
$33,114 a year for 40 hours a week, 52 weeks: $2,759 a month or $636.80 a week before tax. After federal and state taxes a single filer takes home about $28,015 a year.
Is the New Jersey minimum wage going up?
Yes: to $16.48 an hour on January 1, 2027.
What is overtime pay at minimum wage in New Jersey?
$23.88 an hour (time and a half) for hours over 40 in a workweek. A 50-hour week at minimum wage pays $875.60.
What is the tipped minimum wage in New Jersey?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $6.05 an hour if tips bring them up to $15.92; if not, the employer must pay the difference.
Which neighboring states pay more than New Jersey?
New York ($16).
Do cities in New Jersey have a higher minimum wage?
Not that we list. If your city or county sets its own minimum wage, the higher rate applies where the work is done.
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