On Jan. 1, New Jersey’s statewide minimum wage increased by $0.36, jumping from $15.13 to $15.49 for most employees. The New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) sets the new year’s minimum wage based on any increase in Consumer Price Index (CPI) data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
“Aligning the state minimum wage with any increases in the cost of living is a critical step towards economic fairness and security for all New Jersey workers,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This adjustment fosters a more equitable economy and ensures our workforce can continue to thrive.”
The minimum wage sat at $8.60 when Gov. Murphy first took office and he made it a priority to increase that over his tenure. Legislation signed by Gov. Murphy saw the minimum wage gradually increase until it reached $15.13 an hour in 2024. Now, under the law, it will continue to increase based on the CPI data.
The minimum wage for seasonal and small employers will gradually increase until 2028 to lessen the impacts on the businesses. The minimum wage for these workers will jump from $13.73 to $14.53.
Agricultural workers will see their minimum wage gradually increase until 2030. The workers will see their minimum wage increase from $12.81 to $13.41.
The increase in minimum wage has made it evident that Gov. Murphy was able to accomplish what he set out to do towards the beginning of his time in office. The jump will serve to help minimum wage workers better keep up as the cost of living increases every year.