HR ALERT: NJ Minimum Wage Increase

February 1, 2019

Updated February 4, 2019

Governor Murphy has now signed the bill raising the minimum wage in New Jersey, something we have started to see in other states. The state’s legislature had only passed the bill last week, but Governor Murphy quickly signed it, having been a strong advocate for this change.

The new law will raise the minimum wage in increments. The first increase is set for July 1, 2019 when it rises to $10 an hour for most workers, with future increases each year in January until it hits $15. Seasonal workers and employees at businesses with five or fewer workers will not see their initial wage increase until January 1, 2020 when it rises to $10.30 an hour, reaching the full $15 wage in 2026.

Farm workers will hit $12.50 in 2024 at which time it will be left to state officials whether to increase it to $15.

Tipped workers, whose current hourly minimum wage is $2.13, will see it increase to $5.13 an hour by 2024.

As a mentor to our clients, Lisa Calick, SPHR is responsible for providing HR solutions to both colleagues and clients, helping to strengthen operational processes, allowing them time to focus on their core strategic goals. Reach Lisa at 973.577.2877 or [email protected].