New Jersey Labor Laws: An Employer's Overview

Overtime

New Jersey follows the federal rule: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek, with no separate daily-overtime requirement.

Minimum Wage

New Jersey sets a minimum wage above the federal $7.25 and updates it periodically — confirm the current figure before running payroll.

Breaks

New Jersey has no general adult meal-break mandate, though offered short breaks must be paid.

Paid Sick Leave & Final Pay

New Jersey mandates paid sick leave. Final-paycheck timing is state-specific — see the dedicated guides linked below for details, and always confirm against the official source.

New Jersey Labor-Law Snapshot

A quick New Jersey snapshot: the minimum wage is $15.92/hour (about $8.67 above the federal $7.25), overtime is about $23.88/hour, New Jersey mandates paid sick leave (typically ~1 hour earned per 30 worked), and a final paycheck is due by the next regular payday on discharge.

For New Jersey employers these rules interact with timekeeping: accurate, audit-logged hours drive overtime, sick-leave accrual, final pay, and break records. New Jersey sets no statewide meal-break requirement and does not mandate paid rest breaks; a final paycheck is due by the next regular payday when an employee resigns. Confirm current New Jersey figures with the state labor office before relying on any single number.

Official Sources

• U.S. DOL — Minimum wage by state
• U.S. DOL — State overtime
• U.S. DOL — State labor offices

More New Jersey Guides

Labor Law Overview in Other States

New Jersey Labor Law Overview: Frequently Asked Questions