New Jersey Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027
As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.92 per hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. It is set by New Jersey State Minimum Wage Act (2019 amendments, N.J.S.A. 34:11-56a4) and administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Rates for small, seasonal or agricultural employers are listed further down.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Rates and sources checked October 16, 2026 · Methodology & sources
Current rate (October 16, 2026)
$15.92
in effect since January 1, 2026
2027 rate
$16.48
Effective January 1, 2027
Compared with federal $7.25
$8.67 higher
Federal and state rules both apply
New Jersey minimum wage in 2027
$16.48 per hour from January 1, 2027, up $0.56 (3.5 percent).
NJDOL announced $16.48 on September 29, 2026, up $0.56.
NJDOL adjusts the rate each January 1 for any rise in the Consumer Price Index and announces it by about September 30.
Regional and local rates in New Jersey
| Group | Current rate | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Most employers (base rate) | $15.92 | $16.48 |
| Seasonal employers and employers with fewer than six employees | $15.23 | $16.25 |
| Agricultural workers (hourly or piece rate) | $14.20 | $15.00 |
Cities and counties may set higher local minimums where state law allows it. Employers must pay the highest rate that applies.
What changed in New Jersey
The $15.92 rate has been in effect since January 1, 2026 and did not change during 2026.
New Jersey minimum wage pay calculator
- Weekly pay
- $636.80
- Monthly pay
- $2,759.47
- Yearly pay
- $33,113.60
- Overtime rate (1.5x)
- $23.88 per hour
Gross pay before taxes at $15.92 per hour in New Jersey, paid straight time for every hour you enter. Overtime rules differ by state and employee, so use the overtime calculator when you work more than 40 hours a week.
Working more than 40 hours? Try the overtime pay calculator. Paid for a holiday? Use the holiday pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey in 2026?
As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.92 per hour for most adult, non-tipped employees. The $15.92 rate has been in effect since January 1, 2026 and did not change during 2026.
Will the New Jersey minimum wage go up in 2027?
NJDOL announced $16.48 on September 29, 2026, up $0.56.
Does New Jersey have local minimum wages?
New Jersey's page is based on the statewide rate. Cities or counties may have their own rules where state law allows it, and employers must pay the highest rate that applies.
Sources for New Jersey
Sources checked October 16, 2026.