Minimum Wage Requirements in New Jersey 2024

Overview of New Jersey's Minimum Wage Requirements

As of February 13, 2024, the minimum wage requirements in New Jersey vary depending on the type of employer. For most employers, the minimum wage is set at $15.13. For seasonal and small employers, those with fewer than 6 employees, the minimum wage is $13.73. Agricultural employers have a minimum wage of $12.81. The cash wage for tipped workers is $5.26, and for long-term care facility direct care staff, the wage is $18.13.

This is part of a trend in New Jersey's minimum wage policy, which has seen consistent increases from 2020 to 2024. This increase is part of legislation signed by Governor Murphy in February 2019 that aims to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15.00 by 2024 for most employees. Seasonal and small employers have until 2026 to pay their workers $15.00 per hour[^2^]. Agricultural workers have until 2027 to reach the $15.00/hour minimum wage.

Understanding Local Minimum Wage Variations

The minimum wage requirements in New Jersey are consistent across the state, with variations based on the type of employer rather than the location. Whether you're in Bergen County, Middlesex County, Essex County, Hudson County, Monmouth County, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, or Edison, the minimum wage requirements remain the same.

However, it's important to note that these rates are subject to change each January 1 based on a measure of inflation. Therefore, employers should stay updated with the latest information from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to ensure compliance.

Minimum Wage Eligibility and Exemptions

In New Jersey, most employees are eligible for a minimum wage of $15.00. However, there are certain exemptions to this rule. For seasonal and small employers (fewer than 6 employees), the minimum wage is $13.50, and for agricultural employers, it's $12.50.

Certain groups are exempt from the statutory minimum wage rate, including full-time students employed by their college or university, outside salespersons, salespersons of motor vehicles, part-time employees primarily engaged in the care and tending of children in the employer's home, and minors under 18.

Minimum Wage Considerations and Compliance Tips

As a food business employer in New Jersey, it's essential to understand the key minimum wage legal and compliance considerations to ensure your business operates within the law. The New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law establishes a minimum wage rate and overtime rate for all workers covered by the Act.

The New Jersey State Wage Payment Law stipulates the time, manner, and mode of payment, and prohibits the withholding of wages for illegal deductions, such as breakage, spillage, and cash register shortages.

Employers are required to keep detailed records of hours worked and wages, including gratuity records. Violations of these regulations can lead to administrative penalties.

FAQs

• What is the current minimum wage in New Jersey? As of February 13, 2024, the minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.13 for most employers.
• Are there any exemptions to the minimum wage in New Jersey? Yes, certain groups such as full-time students employed by their college or university, outside salespersons, salespersons of motor vehicles, part-time employees primarily engaged in the care and tending of children in the employer's home, and minors under 18 are exempt.
• What is the minimum wage for tipped workers in New Jersey? The cash wage for tipped workers in New Jersey is $5.26.

Information Source Links

• New Jersey's Minimum Wage Chart
• New Jersey's Minimum Wage FAQs
• New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
• New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law
• New Jersey State Wage Payment Law
• New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law
• New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Wage & Hour and Contract Compliance page

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