New Jersey Minimum Wage to Increase to $15.92 for Most Workers on Jan. 1, 2026

Wage hike reflects inflation adjustments and continues phased increases for seasonal, agricultural, and small business employees through 2030.

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) announced that the state’s minimum wage will increase to $15.92 per hour for most employees, effective January 1, 2026. The $0.43 increase reflects adjustments tied to inflation as calculated by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), in accordance with the New Jersey Constitution and state administrative code.

The upcoming increase is part of a multi-year wage hike plan that began following legislation signed in 2019 by Governor Phil Murphy, who identified raising the minimum wage as a top legislative priority upon taking office in 2018, when the rate stood at $8.60 per hour.

“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.”

Wage Increases for Other Worker Groups

Certain employee categories are on distinct timetables to allow businesses and industries time to adjust. The scheduled increases for these groups are as follows:

• Seasonal and Small Business Employees: Minimum wage increases to $15.23 (up from $14.53). Gradual increases will continue through 2028.

• Agricultural Workers: Minimum wage rises to $14.20 (up from $13.40). Increases will continue through 2030 under a separate statutory schedule.

• Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff: Minimum wage will increase to $18.92 per hour, reflecting the same $0.43 adjustment.

• Tipped Workers: The minimum cash wage increases to $6.05 per hour (up from $5.62). The maximum tip credit remains at $9.87. If an employee’s hourly wages plus tips do not equal the state minimum wage, employers must make up the difference.

Inflation Indexing to Continue

Once the scheduled statutory increases are completed—by 2028 for small and seasonal employers, and 2030 for agricultural workers—these wage rates will continue to be adjusted annually based on inflation, consistent with Article I, Paragraph 23 of the New Jersey Constitution.

The CPI-based indexing process ensures that the minimum wage keeps pace with the cost of living, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This mechanism aims to preserve the purchasing power of low-wage workers and provide predictability for employers.

More Information

Workers and employers can learn more about New Jersey’s wage requirements and rights by visiting the NJDOL websites: Minimum Wage Information, Tipped Workers' Rights.

This wage adjustment reflects New Jersey’s continued efforts to ensure economic security for workers across diverse employment sectors while accounting for employer capacities and regional economic conditions.