New Jersey Minimum Wage 2026
Current minimum wage, scheduled increases, tipped worker rules, and political context for New Jersey’s wage policy in 2026.
$16.61 (large employers)
Current Minimum Wage
$17.00 (est.)
Projected 2026 Rate
$5.26
Tipped Worker Rate
CPI-indexed
Scheduled Increases
Minimum Wage Overview
New Jersey enacted minimum wage increases in 2019 to reach $15 by 2024 for large employers, with CPI indexing thereafter. Small businesses, seasonal workers, and farm workers have different phase-in schedules. New Jersey has one of the higher minimum wages nationally.
Wage Policy Details
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Minimum Wage | $16.61 (large employers)/hour |
| Tipped Worker Minimum | $5.26/hour |
| Scheduled Increases | CPI-indexed |
| Projected 2026 Rate | $17.00 (est.)/hour |
| Legislative Source | A15 (2019) + CPI |
Political Context
New Jersey Democrats passed the minimum wage increase over Republican opposition. The multiple tier structure for different employer types was a compromise. With CPI indexing, the minimum will continue rising above $15.