Laws by state · data
New Jersey wage and hour laws, 2026
The minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.92 an hour in 2026; overtime is owed after 40 hours a week. Employers with fewer than 6 employees and seasonal employment: a $15.23 minimum wage. Tipped workers can be paid $6.05 an hour in cash, with up to $9.87 of their tips counted toward the $15.92 minimum. The minimum rises to $16.48 on January 1, 2027.
Minimum wage
| Minimum wage, per hour | $15.92 |
|---|---|
| Set by | State law |
| January 1, 2027 (scheduled) | $16.48 |
Employers with fewer than 6 employees and seasonal employment: a $15.23 minimum wage.
Seasonal and small employers (fewer than 6 employees): $16.25.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, State Minimum Wage Laws (updated July 1, 2026; Michigan: $15.00 scheduled for January 1, 2027); New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, minimum wage on January 1, 2027 (September 29, 2026). Checked November 5, 2026. The full table: Minimum wage by state, 2026
Tipped minimum wage
| Minimum cash wage | $6.05 |
|---|---|
| Max tip credit | $9.87 |
| Full minimum wage | $15.92 |
Employers with fewer than 6 employees and seasonal employment: a $15.23 minimum wage.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (last revised July 1, 2026). Checked November 5, 2026. The full table: Tipped minimum wage by state, 2026
Overtime
| Time and a half after, per day | No |
|---|---|
| Time and a half after, per week | 40 h |
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, State Minimum Wage Laws: premium pay after designated hours (updated July 1, 2026). Checked November 5, 2026. The full table: Overtime laws by state, 2026
Worked examples at the minimum wage
A 40-hour week: $636.80
Five 8-hour days at the $15.92 minimum, before taxes: 40 regular hours, no overtime.
A 45-hour week: $756.20
Five 9-hour days at the $15.92 minimum, before taxes: 40 regular hours and 5 overtime hours at $23.88 (1.5 times $15.92), $119.40 of overtime pay.
A year of full time: $33,113.60
40 hours a week for 52 weeks at the $15.92 minimum, before taxes: $2,759.47 a month.
A tipped worker’s 30 hours: $477.60
The employer pays $181.50 in cash wages ($6.05 an hour) and may count up to $296.10 of tips toward the rest; if tips fall short, the employer makes up the difference.
A summary of what these agencies and statutes say, not legal advice. Cities and counties may set higher minimum wages, and exemptions or industry rules can change what you are owed: check your state’s labor department.
Wage and hour laws in every state