On January 1, 2014, the New Jersey minimum wage will
increase $1 from the current $7.25 to $8.25 per hour. Thereafter,
the minimum wage will increase annually proportional to the
consumer price index for all urban wage earners and clerical
workers.
This change affects all workers who previously earned
minimum wage and those who earned less than $8.25 per hour.
Accordingly, payroll coordinators should update their systems
before January 1, 2014, to reflect changes in the law and ensure
that no wage earners are earning less than $8.25 per
hour.
Initially, the New Jersey Legislature attempted to
increase the state minimum wage to $8.50 per hour, with future
increases tied to the consumer price index. However, the bill was
conditionally vetoed by Governor Chris Christie. Responding to the
governor's conditional veto, the Legislature proposed that a
wage increase be put into effect by a constitutional amendment,
approved by New Jersey voters.
