New Jersey’s minimum wage is set to increase by $1 to $15.13 per hour for most employees by 2024.
This achieves – and exceeds – the goal set by legislation signed by Governor Murphy in February 2019 to raise the minimum wage to at least $15 per hour by 2024 for most employees.
When Governor Murphy took office in 2018, the state’s minimum wage was $8.60 per hour; he and the Democratic-controlled Legislature immediately identified increasing the minimum wage as a legislative priority.
“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,” said 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,” he said.
Under the law, seasonal and small employers were 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/hour on Jan. 1, up from $12.93.
Agricultural workers are guided by a separate minimum wage timetable and were given until 2027 to reach the $15/hour minimum wage. Employees who work on a farm for an hourly or piece-rate wage will see their minimum hourly wage increase to $12.81, up from $12.01. Additionally, long-term care facility direct care staff will see their minimum wage rise by $1, to $18.13/hour.
Once the minimum wage reaches $15 per hour in January, the state Constitution specifies that it continue to increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation.
