Workers in New Jersey are seeing an increase in their minimum wage to $15.49 per hour beginning New Year’s Day.
According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the statewide minimum wage increased by $0.36 to $15.49 per hour for most employees.
For seasonal employees, who are on a slower incremental plan scheduled until 2028, the minimum wage will rise to $14.53 per hour from the previous $13.73.
Tipped workers will also see a rise in their minimum cash wage rate from $5.26 to $5.62 per hour, and the maximum tip credit that employers can claim will stay at $9.87.
Agricultural workers, who follow a separate schedule under the same law, will have their minimum hourly rate increased to $13.40, up from $12.81. The rates are scheduled to continue rising incrementally until 2030.
Additionally, direct care staff in long-term care facilities will receive an increase, bringing their minimum wage to $18.49 per hour.
The increases mark another step in a series of increases set into motion by legislation signed in 2019 by Gov. Phil Murphy.
“Aligning the state minimum wage with any increases in the cost of living is a critical step towards economic fairness and security for all New Jersey workers,” said New Jersey Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This adjustment fosters a more equitable economy and ensures our workforce can continue to thrive.”
When Murphy, a Democrat, assumed office in 2018, the state’s minimum wage was $8.60 per hour.
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