New Jersey Employment Laws

Applies to all employers regardless of size. Protected classes include: race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age (18+), marital status, civil union/domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy/breastfeeding, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, military service, and nationality. 2-year SOL for court claims; 180 days for MCAD administrative complaints.

The 2026 minimum wage is $15.92/hour for employers with 6+ employees. $15.23/hour for employers with fewer than 6 employees and seasonal employers. Overtime at 1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week.

One of the toughest in the country. Liquidated damages up to 200% of wages recovered. SOL extended from 2 years to 6 years. Enhanced anti-retaliation protections.

Prohibits gender-based pay discrimination for comparable work with a 6-year lookback period. Amends the LAD.

One of the broadest whistleblower protections in the U.S. Prohibits retaliation against employees who disclose, object to, or refuse to participate in activities they reasonably believe are illegal, fraudulent, or harmful to public health/safety/welfare. Remedies include reinstatement, back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys' fees. 1-year SOL.