New Jersey Minimum Wage 2026
New Jersey's minimum wage of $15.92 in 2026 is among the highest in the United States, and it is significantly higher than than the base federal minimum wage of $7.25 still used in 20 states.
Federal 
New Jersey Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the weekly minimum wage in New Jersey is $636.80. For full-time employees working 52 weeks per year, the annual minimum wage in New Jersey is $33.1K.
Based on $15.92/hr minimum
Based on $15.92/hr minimum
The minimum wage rate of New Jersey and its neighboring states ranges from $7.25 to $17, with an average of $14.03. New Jersey, at $15.92, has an above average hourly minimum wage within this group of states. New York ($17) has higher hourly rates than New Jersey. Delaware ($15), Maryland ($15), and Pennsylvania ($7.25) have lower hourly rates than New Jersey.
New Jersey While the general minimum wage is $15.92 per hour in New Jersey, there are several exceptions where workers may legally receive less than this amount:
Can be paid a lower cash wage of at least $5.62/hr (2025) if tips bring total earnings up to at least the full New Jersey minimum wage of $15.49/hr.
May be paid 85% of the minimum wage (about $13.17/hr based on a $15.49 minimum) when employed in retail, service, or higher education under a special certificate.
May be paid less than the minimum wage under a special permit issued by the state (exact rate not specified in the statute).
May be paid a subminimum wage based on productivity under a special certificate (no fixed statewide rate specified).
Subject to a separate minimum wage schedule, such as $14.20/hr in 2026, which is lower than the standard state minimum wage.
Employees of nonprofit seasonal camps (typically June–September) may be exempt from minimum wage requirements.
New Jersey's cost of living index for 2025 is 115.1, which places it as the 8th most expensive state to live in the United States.
National 100
New Jersey 115.1
Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the real wage in New Jersey, adjusted for the state’s cost of living index of 115.1, is approximately $13.83 per hour. This means that while the nominal minimum wage is $15.92 per hour, the purchasing power of those earnings is lower due to New Jersey's higher cost of living expenses. For full-time employees, the real weekly earnings amount to roughly $553.26, translating to an annual purchasing power of $28,769.42 when working 52 weeks per year.
Adjusted
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According to the most recent data, the median household income in the United States has seen a significant increase in 2023.
New Jersey’s minimum wage is set under the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law and is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development sets the rate each year and maintains separate provisions for certain worker categories, including tipped, seasonal, and agricultural employees.
