Recently, New Jersey employers have faced new legal requirements. As discussed in a prior alert, recent amendments to the New Jersey Family Leave Act, scheduled to take effect on 17 July 2026, will broaden the scope of covered employers and eligible employees. Additional legal changes for New Jersey employers include minimum wage increases, expanded restrictions on mandatory employer-led political meetings, and new pay transparency requirements for job postings. The summary below outlines key provisions for compliance.

Minimum Wage Rate Increases

As of 1 January 2026, New Jersey’s minimum wage rates are as follows:

• Most employers must raise their hourly wage from US$15.49 to US$15.92, with exceptions noted below.
• Tipped workers will see their minimum wage increase from US$5.62 to US$6.05 per hour, with the maximum tip credit remaining at US$9.87.
• Employees working for seasonal or small businesses (with fewer than six employees) will have their minimum wage increased from US$14.53 to US$15.23 per hour.
• Agricultural workers will receive an increase from US$13.40 to US$14.20 per hour.
• Staff in long-term care facilities will see wages rise from US$18.49 to US$18.92 per hour.

On 2 December 2025, an amendment to the New Jersey Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act (NJWFEIA) took effect. The NJWFEIA generally prohibits employers from compelling employees to attend employer-sponsored meetings or engage in communications intended to convey the employer’s views on...

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