Wage Increases Coming In NJ: See When, Who Is Impacted

NEW JERSEY — Workers in the Garden State will see their pockets get a bit greener with a pay raise beginning on Jan. 1, 2026.

New Jersey's minimum wage is jumping up by .43 cents to $15.92 per hour as part of an ongoing push and 2019 law signed by Governor Phil Murphy to help struggling workers.

Certain employers, like seasonal and smaller-scale businesses will also see an increase. The minimum will grow from $14.53 to $15.23.

Wages will then increase gradually through 2028.

"Eight years ago, Governor Murphy pledges a stronger, fairer economy, and we're delivering on this commitment by raising New Jersey's minimum wage again," said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.

Other classes of workers set to benefit beginning on Jan.1 include:

• Agricultural employees ($13.40 to $14.20 per hour)
• In-home health aid ($18.92 per hour)
• Tipped workers ($6.05 per hour, with employers having to account for the difference if the state minimum is not reached)

More On Tipped Workers

"Policies increasing the minimum wage have been a lifeline for underpaid workers who have been the most impacted by a growing affordability crisis," said Yannet Lathrop, senior researcher with the National Employment Law Project.

According to the employee advocacy group, overall inflation has grown by 23.6 percent over the last five years, and the price of groceries has jumped by 26.4 percent.

The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development made the announcement on Oct. 1 that wages would hike as part of a five-year plan that saw the state's minimum wage cross the $15 per hour rate in 2024 for most employers.

Additional raises were also implemented with room for more based on trends in the consumer price index and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics research.

"This increase will provide vital support to all Garden State workers by making the dream of a livable wage reality," Asaro-Angelo added.

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