New Jersey minimum wage rises 56 cents to $16.48 an hour on January 1, 2027
Key points
- Minimum wage for most workers rises to $16.48 an hour
- Seasonal and six-or-fewer-employee businesses: $16.25; farm workers: $15
- Long-term care direct care staff: $19.48; tipped minimum cash wage: $6.61
Starting January 1, 2027, New Jersey's minimum wage for most workers rises 56 cents to $16.48 an hour. The rate is set annually by the state labor department based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Separate rates also take effect that day: $16.25 for seasonal businesses and businesses with six or fewer employees, $15 for farm workers, $19.48 for direct care staff in long-term care facilities, and a $6.61 minimum cash wage for tipped workers. The maximum tip credit remains $9.87. For reference only; not legal advice.
What employers should do
- Update pay rates for most workers effective January 1, 2027
- Check applicable rates for seasonal, small-business, farm, long-term care and tipped workers
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- New Jersey
- Status
- Signed, not yet effective
- Effective date
- 2027-01-01
- Employers covered
- Most New Jersey employers; separate rates for seasonal, small, farm, long-term care and tipped workers
- Official source
- View official source ↗
Original report: HRMorning ↗Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.