Labor Rights in New Jersey
New Jersey pairs an inflation-indexed $15.92 minimum wage with broad worker protections: universal earned sick leave (1 hour per 30 hours, all employers), and long-standing TDI and Family Leave Insurance paying up to $1,119 per week in 2026. It has no meal or rest break requirement for adults, but its Woolley doctrine gives handbook promises real weight in wrongful termination cases.
Data last verified 2026-10-12
Workplace rights in New Jersey at a glance
| Minimum wage (2026) | $15.92 per hour for most employers, adjusted annually for inflation each January 1. Seasonal and small employers (fewer than 6 employees) pay $15.23; agricultural workers $14.20. |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage (2026) | $6.05 per hour cash wage. Maximum tip credit is $9.87; if tips plus cash wage do not reach $15.92 per hour, the employer must make up the difference. |
| Overtime | 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, consistent with federal FLSA. New Jersey also limits mandatory excessive overtime for many health care facility employees. |
| Paid sick leave | Yes. All employers must provide 1 hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. |
| Paid family and medical leave | Yes. New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for a worker's own disability (up to 26 weeks) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) for bonding or caregiving (up to 12 weeks). In 2026, benefits pay 85% of average weekly wage up to $1,119 per week. Employee contributions: 0.19% of wages for TDI and 0.23% for FLI. |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees. Employees under 18 must receive a 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours of work. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement beyond federal. |
| Right-to-work law | No |
| At-will employment | Implied contract (Woolley doctrine) and public policy exceptions recognized; no general good-faith covenant. Confirm with your state labor department. |
| Final paycheck | Due on the next regular payday. |
How New Jersey compares to federal law
New Jersey sets a minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25 an hour, so the state rate is what most employers must pay. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Neighboring states
- New York$17.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- Pennsylvania$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.
- Delaware$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.
Compare all 50 states and DC side by side
Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey in 2026?
$15.92 per hour for most employers, adjusted annually for inflation.
Does New Jersey have paid family leave?
Yes. Family Leave Insurance provides up to 12 weeks per year for bonding or caregiving, paying 85% of your average weekly wage up to $1,119 per week in 2026.
Is New Jersey a right-to-work state?
No. New Jersey is not a right-to-work state.
When must my final paycheck be paid in New Jersey?
On the next regular payday.