New Jersey’s statewide minimum wage will increase by $1 to $15.13 per hour for most employees on January 1, 2024. This surpasses the goal set by legislation signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in February 2019 to raise the minimum wage to at least $15 per hour by 2024.
“When I first came to office, one of my top priorities was to increase the minimum wage for millions of New Jerseyans,” Murphy said. “One year later, we put pen to paper and officially signed legislation to raise New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2024. As we approach this long-awaited benchmark, I am hopeful that New Jersey workers will be able to improve their quality of lives and secure a better future for their families in the middle class. Our administration will continue to prioritize our workers, who are the backbone of our economy.”
“This is a proud moment for New Jersey, as we prepare to become one of only a handful of states with a minimum wage above $15 an hour,” noted Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “As we reach this significant milestone, my heartfelt appreciation goes to Governor Murphy and our legislature for their dedication and commitment to supporting New Jersey workers and businesses.”
Under the law, seasonal and small employers will be given until 2026 to reach $15 per hour to lessen the impact on their businesses. The minimum hourly wage for these employees will increase to $13.73 per hour on January 1, up from $12.93.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development sets the minimum wage for the coming year using either the rate specified in the law or a calculation based on the Consumer Price Index, whichever is higher. Once the minimum wage reaches $15 per hour in January, the state’s constitution specifies that it continue to increase annually based on any increase in the CPI.
For more information on the state minimum wage, visit: https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/support/faqs/wageandhourworkerfaqs.shtml#minimumwage.
