New Jersey Casino Staff to Benefit from Minimum Wage Increase in 2026
Significant Minimum Wage Increase Set for New Jersey in 2026
Starting in 2026, New Jersey will see a substantial boost in its minimum hourly wage, increasing by 43% to reach $15.92. This change is expected to benefit workers across the state’s large hospitality and gaming sectors, particularly those employed in casinos and related industries.
Details on Wage Adjustments for Different Worker Groups
Although the general minimum wage will increase to $15.92, some categories of workers will receive slightly different rates. Seasonal employees and those working for very small employers (with fewer than six staff members) will have a minimum wage of $15.23, up from $14.53 in 2025. This wage will gradually rise until it equals the standard minimum wage in 2028.
Farm workers will experience an 80% increase, bringing their minimum wage to $14.20. However, their wages won’t fully align with the main minimum wage until 2030 due to a longer phase-in schedule.
Casino employees classified as tipped workers will see their base wage increase to $6.05 per hour. Employers must still ensure that their total earnings, including tips, meet or exceed the $15.92 minimum wage.
Improving Workplace Conditions for Casino Employees
This wage increase stems from a state law mandating annual cost-of-living adjustments. Alongside this, casino staff have been advocating for better working environments. For instance, at the close of 2025, Atlantic City casino workers urged Governor Phil Murphy to encourage lawmakers to pass legislation banning indoor smoking on casino floors. This effort reflects ongoing concerns over employee welfare.
Economic Impact of Atlantic City’s Casino Industry
The thriving casino sector remains a major economic driver in New Jersey. A 2024 report from the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism (LIGHT) and the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) highlights the industry’s vital role. It is one of the largest employers in the region and a significant contributor to state tax revenues.
In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, casinos contributed a record $572 million to the Casino Revenue Fund. This funding supports essential services for vulnerable residents across New Jersey, including $541 million allocated for housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. Additional funding includes $17 million for senior community programs, $5 million for pharmaceutical assistance, and $4 million for personal assistance services.
New Jersey’s Minimum Wage Compared Nationwide
New Jersey’s minimum wage ranks among the highest in the United States, trailing only Washington, California, and Connecticut. Washington, D.C., holds the highest minimum wage record in the country at $17.95 per hour.
