Workers in New Jersey and New York will enjoy higher paychecks starting January 1 as both states implement their scheduled minimum wage increases.
In New York, the minimum wage will rise by 50 cents under a 2023 law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. For most workers in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, the rate will increase to $16.50 per hour. Elsewhere in the state, the wage will rise to $15.50 per hour. Beginning in 2027, further adjustments will tie to the federal Consumer Price Index, with provisions for economic conditions.
“This is a critical step for workers as inflation continues to impact households across New York,” said Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon.
Minimum pay for tipped workers in New York will remain sector- and region-specific.
In New Jersey, the minimum wage will increase by 36 cents, bringing the rate for most workers to $15.49 per hour. Seasonal and small business employees will see an increase to $14.53 per hour, while farm workers’ pay will rise to $13.40. Long-term care workers will earn $18.49 per hour, and tipped workers’ base pay will increase to $5.62 per hour, with employers required to meet the $15.49 threshold if tips fall short.
The increases follow a 2019 law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, which set a gradual path to $15 per hour, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.
Murphy has signaled openness to further raising the minimum wage to $18 or $20 per hour, acknowledging inflation’s impact on worker paychecks.
Workers experiencing wage violations in either state are encouraged to report concerns to their respective labor departments.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.