Most employees will see increase by $0.36 effective January 1
The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce reminds all business owners of the minimum wage pay increase as of January 1, 2025. For most of New Jersey’s businesses the minimum wage will increase to $15.49 per hour. This adjustment, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), aims to align wages with the rising cost of living. The wage increase will have a notable impact on Southern Ocean County, particularly benefiting workers in the region’s growing sectors, including retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
For those owners of small or seasonal businesses, the minimum hourly wage for employees will increase to $14.53 on Jan. 1, up from $13.73. Under the law, the minimum wage rate for employees of seasonal and small employers will continue to increase gradually until 2028 to lessen the impact on those businesses. It’s important to note that the chamber was part of a coalition who urged that minimum wage for employees of small and seasonal businesses received the exemption to increase gradually until 2028. This phased approach was designed to lessen the immediate financial impact on these businesses, allowing them to adapt over time.
Employers who have tipped staff; the minimum cash wage rate for tipped workers will rise to $5.62/hour from $5.26, with the maximum tip credit employers are able to claim remaining at $9.87. If the minimum cash wage plus an employee’s tips do not equal at least the state minimum wage, then the employer must pay the employee the difference. For more on the rights and protections of tipped workers, visit: https://www.nj.gov/labor/worker-protections/myworkrights/tippedworkers.shtml
For more information, please visit NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development here.
