New Jersey Minimum Wage Increases to $15.13 Per Hour Effective January 1, 2024

What Changed

New Jersey's minimum wage for most employers increased from $14.13 to $15.13 per hour effective January 1, 2024. This increase surpasses the $15.00/hour target originally established by legislation signed by Governor Murphy in February 2019, and continues the state's annual CPI-based adjustment schedule.

The increase varies by employer category:

Employer Category | 2023 Rate | 2024 Rate

Most employers | $14.13/hr | $15.13/hr

Seasonal and small employers (fewer than 6 employees) | $12.93/hr | $13.73/hr

Agricultural workers | $12.01/hr | $12.81/hr

Long-term care facility direct care staff | $17.13/hr | $18.13/hr

Tipped employees must receive a cash wage of at least $5.26 per hour, with tips making up the difference to the full minimum wage.

Who Is Affected

All New Jersey employers. The standard $15.13/hour rate applies to most businesses, with lower rates for seasonal and small employers (fewer than 6 employees) and agricultural employers. Long-term care facilities have a higher rate for direct care staff.

Where It Applies

New Jersey statewide. There are no local minimum wage variations in New Jersey; the state rate applies uniformly.

When It Takes Effect

Effective January 1, 2024. Future increases will continue to be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index.

Why It Matters

New Jersey's minimum wage now exceeds the original $15/hour milestone, signaling that the state's annual CPI-based adjustments will continue to push rates higher each year. Employers must update payroll, adjust tipped employee calculations, and post the updated minimum wage poster. Non-compliance with minimum wage laws in New Jersey can result in penalties including back wages, liquidated damages of up to 200% of unpaid wages, and fines of up to $500 per violation for first offenses, with increasing penalties for subsequent violations.

The Humareso Take

New Jersey's minimum wage is now officially above the $15 target that seemed ambitious just a few years ago, and with CPI-based adjustments built in, employers should expect this number to tick up every January for the foreseeable future. If you have seasonal workers, agricultural employees, or long-term care staff, remember that each category has its own rate. Make sure your payroll reflects the correct category for each employee, not just the headline number.

Recommended Action Steps

1. Update payroll systems to reflect the new $15.13/hour minimum wage (or applicable category rate) effective January 1, 2024.

2. Review tipped employee cash wages to ensure compliance with the $5.26/hour minimum cash wage plus tip credit.

3. Post the updated New Jersey minimum wage poster in a conspicuous location at all workplace locations.

4. Audit employee classifications to confirm the correct minimum wage rate is being applied for seasonal, small employer, agricultural, and long-term care categories.

5. Plan for annual increases by budgeting for continued CPI-based minimum wage adjustments each January.

6. Contact your Humareso representative for a payroll compliance review covering the new rates.