New Jersey Minimum Wage (2026)
New Jersey’s minimum wage is $15.92 — $8.67 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2026. Tipped: tipped minimum $6.05. Next change: CPI-indexed adjustment scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.92/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2026).
- Minimum wage$15.92
- Tipped minimum$6.05
- Next scheduled changeCPI-indexed adjustment on January 1, 2027
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$33,114
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
| Effective date | New rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | CPI-indexed adjustment |
These are enacted in statute or triggered by indexing law — not proposals.
New Jersey vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $17.00 | +$1.08 |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25 | −$8.67 |
| Delaware | $15.00 | −$0.92 |
New Jersey minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $15.92 |
| 2025 | $15.49 |
| 2024 | $15.13 |
| 2023 | $14.13 |
| 2022 | $13.00 |
| 2021 | $12.00 |
| 2020 | $11.00 |
| 2019 | $11.00 |
| 2018 | $8.60 |
| 2017 | $8.44 |
| 2016 | $8.38 |
| 2015 | $8.38 |
| 2014 | $8.25 |
| 2013 | $7.25 |
| 2012 | $7.25 |
| 2011 | $7.25 |
| 2010 | $7.25 |
| 2009 | $7.15 |
| 2008 | $7.15 |
| 2007 | $7.15 |
| 2006 | $6.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $5.15 |
| 2002 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | $5.15 |
| 2000 | $5.15 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
Tipped = regular minus $9.87 ($6.05 in 2026). Small (<6 employees)/seasonal employer rate: DOL lists $15.23 for 2026 while the statutory floor schedule says $15.00 (EPI/NCSL) - DOL's CPI-adjusted $15.23 treated as operative; conflict noted.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in New Jersey in 2026?
$15.92 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, which is $8.67 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in New Jersey?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $6.05; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does New Jersey's minimum wage go up next?
CPI-indexed adjustment takes effect January 1, 2027.
How much is full-time minimum wage in New Jersey per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $15.92/hour is $33,114 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: New Jersey labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.