New Jersey’s minimum wage will rise to $15.92 per hour for most workers on January 1, 2026, the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The $0.43 increase, set under the state Constitution and regulations tying wage adjustments to the Consumer Price Index, will affect most employees across the state.

When Governor Murphy, whose term ends early next year, took office in 2018, the state’s minimum wage was $8.60 per hour; he and the Democratic-controlled Legislature immediately identified increasing the minimum wage as a legislative priority.

A 2019 law he signed set out the gradual increases, with most workers reaching $15.13 by January 1, 2024.

For workers at small businesses and seasonal employers, the minimum wage will increase to $15.23 per hour, up from $14.53. These employers are on a slower phase-in schedule, with rates continuing to rise until 2028.

Agricultural employees, who follow a separate timetable under state law, will see their hourly minimum wage rise to $14.20, up from $13.40. Their wages will continue to increase incrementally until 2030.

Tipped workers’ cash wage will also increase, moving from $5.62 to $6.05 an hour, with the maximum tip credit employers may claim remaining at $9.87. Employers are required to make up the difference if tips and cash wages together do not meet the state’s minimum wage.

Long-term care facility direct care staff will see their minimum wage increase to $18.92 per hour, reflecting the same $0.43 adjustment.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) sets the minimum wage for the coming year using either the rate specified in the law or a calculation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is higher.

Once the minimum wage reaches $15 per hour in January, the state Constitution specifies that it continue to increase annually based on any increase in the CPI.