Minimum Wage in New Jersey (NJ)
The minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.49 per hour , effective January 1, 2025. This is $8.24 (113.66%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $5.62 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $5.62/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. New Jersey reached $15.00 in 2024 and now indexes annually by CPI. Tipped wage is $5.62/hr.
Minimum Wage by City in New Jersey
The table below shows the minimum wage for 5 cities in New Jersey. No cities currently have local minimum wages above the state rate of $15.49/hr.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | $15.49/hr | $32,219 | Same | +$8.24 |
| Jersey City | $15.49/hr | $32,219 | Same | +$8.24 |
| Trenton | $15.49/hr | $32,219 | Same | +$8.24 |
| Atlantic City | $15.49/hr | $32,219 | Same | +$8.24 |
| Hoboken | $15.49/hr | $32,219 | Same | +$8.24 |
How New Jersey Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of New Jersey with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where New Jersey stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (NJ) | $15.49/hr | $5.62/hr | $32,219 |
| New York (NY) | $15.50/hr | $10.65/hr | $32,240 |
| Delaware (DE) | $15.00/hr | $2.23/hr | $31,200 |
| Illinois (IL) | $15.00/hr | $9.00/hr | $31,200 |
| Maryland (MD) | $15.00/hr | $3.63/hr | $31,200 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $15.00/hr | $6.75/hr | $31,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey in 2026?
The minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.49 per hour as of January 1, 2025. This is $8.24 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $32,219 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in New Jersey?
The tipped minimum wage in New Jersey is $5.62 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $9.87/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $5.62/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $15.49/hr.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in New Jersey?
A full-time minimum wage worker in New Jersey (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $32,219 per year before taxes. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in New Jersey, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.