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New Jersey Employment Law: Your Complete Guide to Worker Rights (2025)

New Jersey provides some of the strongest employment protections in the nation. The Law Against Discrimination (LAD) covers employers with just 1 employee—the broadest coverage of any state. With a $15.49/hour minimum wage (2025), comprehensive NJFLA leave protections, and strong enforcement, New Jersey workers have significant rights.

Quick Facts: New Jersey Employment Law

Topic Key Information
Minimum Wage $15.49/hour (2025)
Discrimination Law LAD – covers 1+ employees
Filing Deadline 2 years (LAD civil action)
Family Leave NJFLA – 12 weeks
Paid Family Leave FLI – up to 12 weeks paid
Non-Compete Restrictive, employee-friendly
Overtime 1.5x after 40 hours

What Makes New Jersey Different

Nation’s Broadest Anti-Discrimination Law

Law Against Discrimination (LAD):

  • Covers employers with 1+ employees
  • Broadest protected categories
  • No damages cap
  • Strong enforcement

Strong Wage Protections

Key features:

  • $15.49/hour minimum (2025)
  • Annual inflation adjustments
  • Strong wage theft laws
  • Private right of action

Comprehensive Leave Laws

Multiple protections:

  • NJFLA (12 weeks job-protected)
  • FLI (paid family leave)
  • Earned Sick Leave
  • Works with federal FMLA

New Jersey Employment Law Topics

Workplace Discrimination

New Jersey’s LAD provides the broadest discrimination protections in the country, covering employers with just 1 employee. Protected categories include race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, religion, and many more.

Wrongful Termination

While New Jersey follows at-will employment, there are strong exceptions under the LAD, public policy (CEPA), and implied contracts. The Conscientious Employee Protection Act provides robust whistleblower protections.

Wages and Hours

New Jersey’s $15.49/hour minimum wage (2025) with inflation indexing, plus overtime requirements and strong enforcement mechanisms including private lawsuits and DOL enforcement.

Leave Laws

Comprehensive leave including NJFLA (12 weeks job-protected), Family Leave Insurance (paid leave), Earned Sick Leave (40 hours), and coordination with federal FMLA.

Employment Contracts

New Jersey restricts non-compete agreements and has specific rules about employment contracts, severance agreements, and post-employment restrictions.

Key New Jersey Employment Laws

Law Against Discrimination (LAD)

N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.:

  • 1+ employee coverage
  • Broadest in nation
  • No damages cap
  • 2-year statute of limitations

Protected categories:

  • Race, color, national origin
  • Sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation
  • Gender identity, marital status
  • Age, disability, religion
  • Genetic information, military status
  • Many more

Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA)

Whistleblower protection:

  • Strongest in nation
  • Protects reporting violations
  • Includes internal complaints
  • Strong remedies

Wage and Hour Law

Key provisions:

  • $15.49/hour minimum (2025)
  • Overtime after 40 hours
  • Wage Payment Law protections
  • Final paycheck rules

NJFLA and FLI

Family Leave:

  • 12 weeks job-protected leave
  • Family Leave Insurance (paid)
  • Up to 85% wage replacement
  • Broader than federal FMLA

Filing Complaints in New Jersey

Division on Civil Rights (State)

For discrimination:

  • Phone: 973-648-2700
  • 180-day deadline for DCR
  • 2 years for civil suit
  • Investigation and remedies

Department of Labor (State)

For wage issues:

  • Phone: 609-292-2323
  • Wage claim process
  • Strong enforcement

EEOC (Federal)

For federal claims:

  • Phone: 800-669-4000
  • Workshares with DCR
  • 300-day deadline

New Jersey Employment Statistics

  • LAD covers virtually all New Jersey workers
  • $15.49 minimum wage among highest in nation
  • Strong private right of action for most violations
  • No cap on LAD damages
  • CEPA among strongest whistleblower laws nationally

Common Employment Issues

Discrimination Claims

Under LAD:

  • File with DCR within 180 days, OR
  • File civil suit within 2 years
  • No damages cap
  • Attorney’s fees available

Wage Theft

Recovery options:

  • Department of Labor complaint
  • Private lawsuit
  • Liquidated damages available
  • Attorney’s fees

Wrongful Termination

Strong exceptions:

  • LAD discrimination
  • CEPA whistleblower
  • Public policy
  • Contract claims

Related Resources

State Agencies

Federal Agencies

Explore New Jersey Employment Law

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about New Jersey employment law and is not legal advice. Employment law is complex and fact-specific. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed New Jersey employment attorney.

For official information: