TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase to $15.13 per hour for most workers starting January 1, 2024. This adjustment marks a significant step, surpassing the $15 target established by state leaders in 2019. For tipped employees, the new structure modifies their pay to $5.26 per hour with a $9.87 per hour tip credit, up from the previous $5.26 with an $8.87 tip credit.
Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat who campaigned on raising the state’s minimum wage, has been instrumental in this development. When he assumed office in 2018, the minimum wage was $8.60 per hour. The movement towards a $15 minimum wage has been a focus of Democratic state lawmakers since at least 2016.
Their initial efforts were blocked by former Governor Chris Christie.
Governor Murphy expressed optimism about the forthcoming increase, stating, “I am hopeful that New Jersey workers will be able to improve their quality of life and secure a better future for their families in the middle class.”
He emphasized the commitment of his administration to prioritize workers, who he referred to as “the backbone of our economy.”