Last February, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. The increase will happen gradually over the next five years. The state legislature will gradually take New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15 per hour for most workers by 2024. Additionally, the state’s current pay floor of $8.85 was raised by $1.15 an hour to $10 per hour on July 1. The next hike is planned for January 1st, when it will increase to $11.
Small companies that employ five or less employees, farm workers, and seasonal employees will not see this same increase. Employees who depend on tips as part of their salaries will see their hourly tipped wages increase from $2.13 to $2.63.
The last federal minimum wage increase happened in 2009. Calls for an increase in New Jersey began in early 2018, though it took about a year for a deal to be reached. Legislators in other states are also setting goals to increase their minimum wages, including Massachusetts ($15 per hour by 2023), California ($15 per hour by 2022), and Washington DC ($15 per hour by 2020). In New York City, companies with 10 or more workers must pay $15 per hour, with smaller employers to follow suit by the year’s end. After 2024, hourly wages may still increase, but it will be based on the consumer price index.
Soon after the Legislature agreed to the wage hike, adjustments were made for farm and seasonal workers and smaller companies. Seasonal workers and employees who work for smaller companies will see their hourly wages raised to $15 per hour in 2026, and agricultural employees will earn $12.50 by 2024.
Feedback About the Increase
Reviews about these changes are somewhat mixed. Some estimate that over one million employees will benefit from the increase, although 10 percent will not be reaping them until later. Some labor advocates believe that farm workers are facing racial discrimination and are being treated as a lower class of worker.
Mount Laurel Employment Lawyers at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC Handle Wage and Hour Claims
Employment wages are changing in New Jersey, and we can guide you through issues regarding this and any others pertaining to your work. For a complimentary case evaluation, contact an experienced Mount Laurel employment lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC by completing an online form or calling 856-235-7075. Our offices are in Mount Laurel and Atlantic City, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Cherry Hill, Burlington County, Camden County, and South Jersey.