New Jersey tipped minimum wage (2026)
Note: Tip credit allowed only if tipped employees are informed in advance of the cash wage, the tip credit claimed, and tip-retention/tip-pool rules. A $15.23 minimum wage applies to employers with fewer than 6 employees and to seasonal employment.
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Federal tipped minimum cash wage is $2.13/hr — but many states require more, and if tips don't bring you to the full minimum wage ($7.25 federal), your employer must make up the difference. Enter your state's tipped minimum as the base wage for an accurate number.
Quick answers
What is the tipped minimum wage in New Jersey?＋
Employers in New Jersey must pay tipped workers a cash wage of at least $6.05/hr, and tips must bring total pay to at least $15.92/hr. Figures as of July 1, 2026 (US DOL).
Can my New Jersey employer take a tip credit?＋
Yes, up to $9.87/hr — but only if your tips actually cover the gap. If they don't, the employer must make up the difference.
What if my tips don't reach the full minimum wage?＋
Federal law (FLSA) requires your employer to make up the difference whenever cash wage + tips falls below the applicable minimum wage for the pay period. Track every shift so you can prove a shortfall.
Source: U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division (July 1, 2026). Federal floor: $2.13 cash / $7.25 total. Not legal advice — local ordinances (city minimum wages) may set higher rates.
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