Minimum wage workers are getting a raise in 2025, but the 2% cost-of-living bump may not go very far. This year’s increase to $15.49 makes New Jersey’s minimum the sixth-highest minimum wage in the country, which is all well and good until the cost of living swallows that 2% whole.
Inflation isn’t the only thing coming for that extra cash, it’s about to become more expensive just to get to work. The state has a flotilla of transportation price hikes for 2025, including — but not limited to — an increased gas tax, toll hikes, NJ Transit fare hikes, and more. And deepest sympathy if you commute below 60th St. in Manhattan, because the congestion pricing fee will take what’s left of your lunch money.
