New Jersey · updated 2026-10
New Jersey Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
1.5x after 40/week. Salaried employees are owed overtime unless they meet the FLSA executive/administrative/professional tests.
Meal break
Not required
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in New Jersey; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Rest breaks
Not required
New Jersey law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$15.92
$15.92 an hour (since 2026-01-01). $15.23 for seasonal employers and those with fewer than 6 employees. Farm workers $14.20. Tipped cash wage $6.05 (max tip credit $9.87). Rises to $16.48 on 2027-01-01.
New Jersey time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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New Jersey pay and break questions
When does overtime start in New Jersey?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. 1.5x after 40/week. Salaried employees are owed overtime unless they meet the FLSA executive/administrative/professional tests.
Are lunch breaks required in New Jersey?
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in New Jersey; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Are rest breaks required in New Jersey?
New Jersey law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey?
$15.92 an hour (since 2026-01-01). $15.23 for seasonal employers and those with fewer than 6 employees. Farm workers $14.20. Tipped cash wage $6.05 (max tip credit $9.87). Rises to $16.48 on 2027-01-01.
Workers under 18 in New Jersey
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See New Jersey teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Wage and Hour Compliance.