New Jersey Wage and Hour Laws: Pay Rights Guide
Quick Answer: New Jersey minimum wage is $15.49/hour in 2025 with annual inflation adjustments—among the highest in the nation. Overtime required at 1.5x after 40 hours. Strong enforcement through Department of Labor and private lawsuits with liquidated damages for violations.
New Jersey provides strong wage protections.
New Jersey Minimum Wage
2025 Rate
Standard minimum: $15.49/hour
Tipped employees: $5.62/hour (plus tips to reach minimum)
Seasonal/small employer: $14.53/hour
Annual Increases
Indexed to inflation:
- Adjusted each January 1
- Based on CPI increases
- Automatic increases
Who’s Covered
Most employees:
- Private sector workers
- Part-time employees
- Limited exemptions
Wage and Hour Topics
Minimum Wage
Current rates, tipped employees, and enforcement.
Overtime
Time-and-a-half requirements after 40 hours.
Final Paychecks
When wages must be paid upon termination.
Overtime Requirements
Basic Rule
Must pay:
- 1.5x regular rate
- After 40 hours/week
- For non-exempt employees
Exempt Employees
May not qualify:
- Executive exemption
- Administrative exemption
- Professional exemption
- Outside sales
Misclassification
Common issue:
- Many workers wrongly classified
- Duties test matters
- Title doesn’t determine status
Pay Periods and Payment
Pay Frequency
Requirements:
- At least twice per month
- Regular paydays
- Pay stubs required
Deductions
Allowed:
- Taxes
- Authorized deductions
- Court-ordered garnishments
Not allowed:
- Cash shortages (most cases)
- Breakage
- Uniform costs below minimum
Final Paycheck Rules
Termination
Must pay:
- By next regular payday
- All wages owed
- Accrued vacation (if policy)
Voluntary Quit
Must pay:
- By next regular payday
- Same timing as termination
Recovering Unpaid Wages
Department of Labor
Wage claim process:
- Phone: 609-292-2323
- Online filing available
- Investigation
- Recovery assistance
Private Lawsuit
Court options:
- Sue employer directly
- Liquidated damages
- Attorney’s fees
- Class actions possible
Liquidated Damages
Available:
- Up to 200% additional
- For willful violations
- Strong deterrent
Common Wage Violations
Minimum Wage
Issues:
- Paid below minimum
- Illegal deductions
- Tip stealing
- Training time unpaid
Overtime
Issues:
- Misclassification as exempt
- Off-the-clock work
- Incorrect calculation
- Comp time instead of pay
Final Pay
Issues:
- Delay in payment
- Withheld wages
- Disputed amounts
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Below Minimum Wage
Situation: Paid $14/hour.
Analysis: Below NJ minimum. File wage claim.
Scenario 2: Tipped Below Minimum
Situation: Tips don’t bring total to minimum.
Analysis: Employer must make up difference.
Scenario 3: No Overtime
Situation: Worked 50 hours, paid straight time.
Analysis: Owed 10 hours at 1.5x rate plus damages.
Scenario 4: Misclassified Exempt
Situation: Called “manager” but no authority.
Analysis: May be non-exempt. Overtime likely owed.
Special Categories
Tipped Employees
Requirements:
- $5.62/hour cash wage minimum
- Tips must bring to full minimum
- Employer makes up shortfall
Agricultural Workers
Minimum wage:
- $12.81/hour (2025)
- Different schedule
- Working toward parity
Seasonal Workers
Small seasonal employers:
- $14.53/hour (2025)
- Limited definition applies
Record-Keeping
Employer Must Keep
Required records:
- Hours worked
- Wages paid
- Pay dates
- Deductions
Employee Should Keep
Document:
- Hours worked
- Pay received
- Pay stubs
- Any discrepancies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NJ minimum wage 2025?
$15.49/hour for most employees.
When is overtime required?
After 40 hours in a workweek.
How long to file wage claim?
Generally 6 years for wage claims.
What damages are available?
Liquidated damages up to 200% plus attorney’s fees.
Related Topics
Take Action
If owed wages:
- Calculate what you’re owed
- Gather pay stubs and records
- Contact employer in writing
- File DOL complaint
- Consider private lawsuit
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general information about New Jersey wage laws and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed New Jersey employment attorney.
For official information:
- NJ Department of Labor: https://www.nj.gov/labor/ | 609-292-2323