Minimum wage increases in New Jersey and Delaware for 2024. Here's how much:
NEW JERSEY - The New Year is starting off with some good news for workers in New Jersey and Delaware - a larger paycheck!
The minimum wage increased in both states on January 1, 2024.
New Jersey increased the state minimum wage to $15.13 per hour for most employees.
"I think it’s amazing to be honest with you because the price of living nowadays is so difficult for anybody, whether they be single, married, or just in a partnership with somebody. To even live without kids it’s hard nowadays, for it to go up, it’s great for people, hopefully it will help," said Ashley Mcaleer of New Jersey.
The raise is $7.88 more than the federal minimum wage in the United States, which has remained at $7.25 an hour since 2009.
The increase is part of a scheduled hike stemming bill signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2019.
Some workers will see slower increases, both seasonal employees and businesses with fewer than six workers will see their increase go up a dollar from $12.73 to $13.73, with a goal of reaching $15 in 2026.
Agricultural workers are guided by a separate minimum wage timetable and were given until 2027 to reach the $15/hour minimum wage. Employees who work on a farm for an hourly or piece-rate wage will see their minimum hourly wage increase by 80 cents to $12.81/hour, up from $12.01/hour. Additionally, long-term care facility direct care staff will see their minimum wage rise by $1, to $18.13/hour.
Tipped workers’ cash wage will remain at $5.26/hour, with employers able to claim a $9.87 tip credit, an increase of $1. If the minimum cash wage plus an employee’s tips do not equal at least the state minimum wage, the employer must pay the employee the difference.
Murphy said, "Over 350,000 hourly workers will benefit from this much needed boost in earnings— a long and hard fought victory for working families across our state".
"I think that’s wonderful. I think everyone should be able to live in the United States and make enough money to support themselves and their family, it being anything less than fifteen, it’s impossible to do that," said Lauren Hines of New Jersey.
These New Jersey laws are taking effect in 2024 - including a minimum wage increase
The Garden State will see several new laws go into effect in 2024, including a minimum wage increase and tax breaks for several groups.
Delaware has also increased their minimum wage from $11.75 to $13.25, with the goal of reaching $15 in 2025.
This increase will be $6 higher than the federal minimum wage.
2024 laws will increase minimum wage, continue tax relief in Delaware
January 1, 2024, marks the day that bills involving minimum wage, hazardous cleanup rates and employer tax relief will go into effect.
Both increases are part of several new laws going into effect in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania in 2024.
22 states have increased their minimum wage, with New Jersey including Delaware.
Across the river in PA, the minimum wage remains at the federal minimum wage of $7.25, a number that hasn’t changed since 2009.
A dollar amount that was a shock to those in New Jersey.
"Excuse me, $7.25, over there, no, no, ain’t no way, it ain’t worth it, I wouldn’t do it," said Peters.
"That’s insane and I think that hopefully changes. I would love to see a Federal push that would force all states to be at least $15 so, hopefully, we get that in the future," said Hines.
Which those in Pennsylvania are hoping for the same thing.
"It’s very unfortunate, I feel like it should go up and should follow what needs to be done to keep everybody afloat nowadays, especially with everybody that is struggling," says Steven Carver of Pennsylvania.