What is Overtime in NJ?

New Jersey’s wage and hour laws are in place to protect employees and ensure they are fairly compensated for their work. This is particularly important for overtime laws, which guarantee additional earnings for workers who exceed the 40-hour work week. Knowing how overtime operates in New Jersey—and who qualifies for it—can help you understand your rights.

What is Overtime in NJ?

Overtime is the additional pay employees are entitled to when they work more than 40 hours a week. Under New Jersey and federal law, eligible employees must be paid at least one and a half times their regular hourly rate for overtime hours.

As of 2025, most employees’ minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.49 per hour; using the 1.5 multiplier, we can determine that overtime in NJ is currently $23.24 per hour. Be aware that certain rules may apply to specific industries or workers, so you should confirm with your employer.

NJ Overtime Law

Overtime in New Jersey is governed by both state and federal regulations. The FLSA sets the national standard, requiring employers to pay eligible employees 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for overtime. New Jersey law aligns with the federal standard, although the state sets its own minimum wage and additional protections for workers. Workers who believe their rights have been violated should contact a wage and hour attorney to discuss their case.

Is Overtime Pay Mandatory in NJ?

Yes, overtime pay is mandatory for eligible employees in New Jersey. Employers are legally required to compensate qualifying employees for any hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. Failing to provide proper overtime pay is a violation of both state and federal laws and can result in significant penalties for employers.

Who is Eligible for Overtime in NJ?

Not all employees in New Jersey are eligible for overtime pay. Workers classified as non-exempt under FLSA are entitled to overtime. Typically, this includes hourly employees, but some salaried workers may also qualify based on earnings and job duties. Exemptions also exist for certain roles, including executive, administrative, and professional employees who meet specific criteria. Understanding your classification is crucial to understanding your overtime eligibility.

Additional Wage and Hour Claims

In addition to overtime violations, we assist employees with a range of wage and hour claims, including:

• Misclassified Employees
• Tip Skimming
• Illegal Deductions
• Failing to Pay Minimum Wage

If you’ve experienced any of these issues, our team is here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Wage and Hour Attorneys in NJ

The wage and hour attorneys at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C., are dedicated to fighting for justice and protecting your rights against overtime issues, misclassification, and more. Beyond wage and hour claims, our attorneys advocate for victims in all types of cases, such as employment discrimination (including pregnancy), sexual harassment, and whistleblower retaliation. With offices in Red Bank, NJ, Marlton, NJ, Newark, NJ, New York, NY, and Philadelphia, PA, we’re ready to help wherever you are. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.