For the Polish-American community from both states – whether paid by the hour or owners of construction, cleaning, caregiving, or restaurant businesses – these are the numbers you need to know before setting your rates and budgets for the new year. Neighboring states are heading in different directions this time: New Jersey is raising its minimum wage by the inflation rate, while in New York State there will be no automatic raise on January 1st. Below is a breakdown based on official announcements from both states.
New Jersey: $16.48 for most workers
The New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) announced on September 29, 2026, that effective January 1, 2027, the state minimum wage for most workers will increase by 56 cents to $16.48 per hour. This is based on Article 1, Paragraph 23 of the state constitution, which ties the rate to the growth of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Other rates in New Jersey starting January 1, 2027:
- seasonal employers and small businesses (fewer than six employees) – $16.25 (currently $15.23),
- agricultural workers – $15.00 (currently $14.20),
- direct care staff in long-term care facilities – $19.48 (an increase of 56 cents),
- tipped employees – minimum cash wage of $6.61 (currently $6.05); the maximum tip credit remains at $9.87, bringing the total to $16.48, which is the general minimum wage.
New York: No increase on January 1st
In New York State, minimum wage increases based on the inflation rate are subject to off-ramp provisions. According to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, one of these conditions was met for 2027, so rates will not change on January 1, 2027. The announcement does not specify which condition was triggered. Therefore, the following rates remain in effect:
- $17.00 per hour – New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County,
- $16.00 per hour – the rest of the state.
However, the rates for home care aides will increase: starting January 1, 2027, to $20.00 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, and to $19.00 in the rest of the state. Their rate is indexed to inflation, but cannot exceed the general minimum wage by more than $3.00. The change applies to both the aides and the home care agencies that employ them.
Potential increase starting March 1, 2027
Governor Hochul has proposed modifying the off-ramp rules so that the inflation-based raise can still take effect – starting March 1, 2027. This requires approval from the state legislature. If the proposal is adopted, the rates will be:
- general minimum wage – $17.60 (New York City, Long Island, Westchester) and $16.55 (the rest of the state),
- home care aides – $20.30 (New York City, Long Island, Westchester) and $19.30 (the rest of the state).
Until any potential decision by the legislature, the general rates remain at their 2026 levels. Therefore, employers in New York State can plan January payrolls without changes, but it is worth leaving a margin for a possible adjustment starting in March.
What to do right now
Businesses in New Jersey that employ workers at rates close to the minimum should recalculate labor costs and project pricing for 2027 – the new rates take effect on January 1st. New Jersey employees who believe they are receiving less than they should can file a wage complaint with the state Division of Wage and Hour Compliance – online or by mail; the rules are outlined on the NJDOL worker FAQ page. In New York, it is worth tracking the legislature’s work on the proposal for a March raise.
Sources: NJDOL – announcement from September 29, 2026, New York State Governor – New York State Minimum Wage for 2027.
If you run a business and want to calculate your 2027 payroll, Polish accountants and advisors from the Finance section in the Polish Pages directory can help.
