New Jersey Statewide Rule

New Jersey Minimum Wage and Local Preemption Framework

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey sets a uniform statewide minimum wage under NJSA 34:11-56a, scheduled to reach $15 per hour, with limited authority for municipalities to enact higher local wage floors.

Key Facts

Authority: NJSA 34:11-56a: Authority: NJSA 34:11-56a New Jersey Wage and Hour Law
$15/hour Reached for: $15/hour reached for most employees by January 2024
Small Employer and: Small employer and agricultural phase-ins extend timeline
Annual CPI Adjustments: Annual CPI adjustments after target reached
DOLWD Enforces with: DOLWD enforces with back wages and liquidated damages

Source: Justia Law

Full Breakdown

The New Jersey Wage and Hour Law, NJSA 34:11-56a et seq., establishes the statewide minimum wage. Under P.L. 2019, c.32, the wage rose incrementally to reach $15 per hour for most employees by 2024, with longer phase-ins for small employers, seasonal workers, and agricultural laborers. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development enforces compliance and adjusts the wage for inflation thereafter. State law generally occupies the field on minimum wage, leaving little room for municipal wage ordinances applicable to private employers, though some local public-sector wage rules persist.

Violations & Penalties

Failure to pay the lawful minimum wage exposes employers to back wages, liquidated damages up to 200%, civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, and possible disorderly persons charges.

Sources

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Full Breakdown