New Jersey’s statewide minimum wage will increase by $1 to $15.13 per hour for most employees on Jan. 1, 2024, making it one of a small number of states to cross the $15 threshold.

The hourly rate exceeds the goal set by legislation signed into law in February 2019 to raise the minimum wage to at least $15 per hour by 2024 for most employees.

In making the announcement today, Governor Phil Murphy took a rhetorical victory lap. “When I first came to office, one of my top priorities was to increase the minimum wage for millions of New Jerseyans.” At the time, the state’s minimum wage was $8.60 per hour.

“This is a proud moment for New Jersey as we prepare to become one of only a handful of states with a minimum wage above $15 an hour,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.

Under the law, seasonal and small employers were given until 2026 to reach $15 per hour to lessen the impact on their businesses. The minimum hourly wage for these employees will increase to $13.73/hour on Jan. 1, up from $12.93.

Agricultural workers are guided by a separate minimum wage timetable and were given until 2027 to reach the $15/hour minimum wage. Employees who work on a farm for an hourly or piece-rate wage will see their minimum hourly wage increase to $12.81, up from $12.01. Additionally, long-term care facility direct care staff will see their minimum wage rise by $1, to $18.13/hour.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development sets the minimum wage for the coming...

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