New Year Brings $0.13 Hourly Increase to New Jersey Minimum Wage Rate

A new year, a new minimum wage rate in New Jersey.

As of Jan. 1, under law, New Jersey’s hourly minimum wage rate increased from $8.25 to $8.38 based on the Consumer Price Index, according to nj.com.

The increase is automatic and, every year forward, the rate will increase based on the CPI, the report said. If there is no inflation or deflation, the report said, the wage will remain the same.

While the $0.13 increase is welcomed, it pales in comparison to the 2013 hike of $1 per hour, from $7.25 to $8.25.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, New Jersey is one of 29 states, along with Washington D.C., to have a minimum wage above the federal rate of $7.25.

As of Jan. 1, Washington leads the nation in minimum wage rate at $9.47, while Georgia and Wyoming have the lowest wage at $5.15.

Patch File Photo