New Jersey Wage and Hour Laws: Minimum Wage, Overtime & Pay Rights (2026)

New Jersey provides strong wage protections with a minimum wage well above the federal rate. The NJ Wage Payment Law and Wage and Hour Law give employees powerful tools to recover unpaid wages.

Quick Facts: New Jersey Wage Laws

Topic	New Jersey	Federal (FLSA)
Minimum Wage	$15.49/hour	$7.25/hour
Overtime	After 40 hours/week	After 40 hours/week
Pay Frequency	At least semi-monthly	Not specified
Final Paycheck	Next regular payday	Not specified

Minimum Wage (2026)

Standard Rate

$15.49/hour (effective January 1, 2026)

Adjusts annually based on CPI.

Tipped Employees

Cash wage: $5.62/hour
With tips must equal full minimum
Employer makes up difference

Small/Seasonal Employers

Some exceptions apply—check specific rules.

Overtime

Requirements

Time-and-a-half after 40 hours per week
No daily overtime requirement
Follows federal standards

Exemptions

Similar to federal FLSA exemptions.

Pay Requirements

Pay Frequency

Must pay at least semi-monthly.

Wage Deductions

Only authorized deductions permitted.

Final Paycheck

Due on next regular payday.

Filing Wage Claims

NJ Department of Labor

For wage violations:

Phone: 609-292-2323
Website: nj.gov{rel="nofollow"}

Private Lawsuit

File in court for unpaid wages.

Common Questions

What is New Jersey minimum wage?

$15.49/hour in 2026. Adjusts annually with inflation.

Are breaks required?

New Jersey doesn't mandate breaks for adults, but requires breaks for minors.

Finding Legal Help

Free Resources

NJ DOL: nj.gov/labor | 609-292-2323
Legal Services of NJ: lsnj.org

Employment Attorneys

Many handle wage cases on contingency.

Related Resources

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about New Jersey wage and hour laws and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed New Jersey employment attorney.

Official Resources:

NJ Department of Labor: nj.gov/labor{rel="nofollow"} | 609-292-2323