On November 5, 2013, residents of New Jersey voted 61 to 39 percent to amend the New Jersey state constitution to increase the state’s hourly minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25.  The minimum wage increase will go into effect on January 1, 2014.

An additional amendment to the New Jersey state constitution links future increases to the minimum wage in New Jersey to cost of living increases.  Under the amendment, the minimum wage will increase each year on September 30^th if the consumer price index for all urban wage earners and clerical workers as calculated by the federal government increases.  These increases in the minimum wage will become effective as of the following January 1^st.

If the federal minimum wage is at any time raised above the state minimum wage, the New Jersey state minimum wage will be increased to match the federal rate, and future cost of living increases will be based on the new higher rate.  We will continue to monitor any changes to the minimum wage at the state and federal level and will keep you apprised of any developments.