Employer of Record for New Jersey

Guide to Hiring Employees in New Jersey

Your guide to hiring employees in New Jersey, covering employment and labor laws, payroll, benefits, onboarding and taxes. You can also manage and pay your contractors in New Jersey through Playroll.

Famous Photo Of New Jersey Landmark
Iconic Image Of New Jersey

Capital City

Trenton

Timezone

EST

(

GMT-5

)

Paid Leave

None

Income Tax

1.4% - 10.75%

Employer Tax

14.4425% + workers comp + state unemployment

Leave The hiring to a local expert

Hire in New Jersey with ease—our experts handle employment and compliance for you.

Enquire Now

How to Hire Employees In New Jersey

Hiring in New Jersey for the first time can be challenging, especially with the state's complex employment laws. Whether you're hiring independent contractors, setting up a legal entity, partnering with a PEO, or using an Employer of Record (EOR), it's essential to understand the local employment landscape. Playroll's comprehensive guide is here to help, whether you're onboarding local talent or relocating team members.

Here are four primary ways companies can hire employees in New Jersey:

  • Establishing a local entity: Creating a legal entity in New Jersey allows for direct hiring, but it can be costly and time-consuming. However, it gives you full control over employment and reduces risk exposure.
  • Partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR): An EOR, like Playroll, takes on the legal responsibilities of employment, acting as the employer on your behalf. This option streamlines hiring, payroll, and compliance with New Jersey’s labor laws, helping you hire in New Jersey without navigating the complex legal landscape yourself.
  • Working with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO): A PEO, such as Playroll, co-employs your team, managing essential HR functions like payroll, benefits, and compliance. Partnering with a PEO ensures you meet New Jersey’s labor regulations while offering competitive employee benefits.
  • Hiring independent contractors: Hiring independent contractors can be more cost-effective, but New Jersey has strict contractor classification rules. Proper classification is essential to avoid penalties for misclassification when hiring in New Jersey.

Complying with New Jersey specific employment regulations and federal laws is critical to avoiding legal risks and costly fines. Our guide focuses on hiring in New Jersey, employment compliance, and how Playroll’s services can support your business as you navigate the complexities of hiring in the state.

Good To Know

New Jersey is home to a highly educated and diverse workforce, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology, finance, and healthcare, offering businesses access to top talent.

Located near major cities like New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey provides easy access to key markets and transportation hubs, making it an attractive location for businesses seeking regional growth.

New Jersey offers various tax incentives, economic development programs, and a strong infrastructure, making it an appealing choice for companies looking to expand and operate efficiently.

Key Things to Know About Hiring in New Jersey

In New Jersey, workers’ rights are protected by numerous employment and labor laws, at both the state and federal level. As a result, employees enjoy protection from discrimination based on age, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and race. Here are the key things you need to know about hiring in New Jersey.

Do I need an EIN or Payroll Tax Number to Employ in New Jersey?

Yes, a Federal Employer Identification Number is needed as well as a New Jersey Employer registration number.

Working Hours in New Jersey

Typically 40 hours per week. 8 hours a day for 5 days a week.

What Is Considered Full-Time Employment in New Jersey?

Full time employment typically consists of working 40 hours per week.

Probation Period in New Jersey

Not more than 1 year.

Labour Laws in New Jersey

Minimum Wage in New Jersey

As of January 1, 2024, New Jersey's minimum wage is $15.13 per hour for most businesses. Small employers (those with fewer than six employees) and seasonal businesses are required to pay a slightly lower rate of $13.73 per hour.

Overtime in New Jersey

New Jersey follows the FLSA for overtime regulations. Employees are entitled to 1.5x their regular rate for any hours worked beyond 40 per week. New Jersey does not enforce daily overtime laws.

Overtime exemptions apply if employees:

  • Earn more than the federal exemption threshold
  • Perform executive, administrative, or professional duties

The federal weekly salary threshold is $684 or $35,568 annually.

New Jersey Anti-Discrimination Laws

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits discrimination and bias-based harassment based on actual or perceived:

  • Race or color;
  • Religion or creed;
  • National origin, nationality, or ancestry;
  • Sex, pregnancy, or breastfeeding;
  • Sexual orientation;
  • Gender identity or expression;
  • Disability;
  • Marital status or domestic partnership/civil union status;
  • Liability for military service;
  • Age;
  • Atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, and the refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available to an employer the results of a genetic test.
Famous New Jersey Landmark

Onboarding New Hires in New Jersey

We can help you get your new employee started in New Jersey fast, with a minimum onboarding time from just 1-2 working days. Note that the timeline is dependent upon registration with the local authorities, and begins after the employee has submitted all the required information on the Playroll platform.

For non-citizens of the US, a work eligibility assessment may be required, and can add three extra days to the onboarding time. If a follow-up is needed, there may be additional delays.

Please note that payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Playroll’s payroll cut-off date is the 10th of the month, unless otherwise specified.

Payroll Taxes For New Jersey

Payroll Cycle in New Jersey

Common payroll cycles include semi-monthly or biweekly.

Looking to grow your team in New Jersey?

Stay Compliant: Navigate New Jersey’s complex labor laws with ease.

Affordable Solution: Reduce costs with a budget-friendly EOR option.

Top-Tier Benefits: Access competitive New Jersey and federal employee benefits for a stronger team.

Book a Demo Default Icon Hover Icon

New Jersey Employment Taxes

Employment taxes and statutory fees affect both your payroll and your employees’ paychecks in New Jersey. Understanding the tax obligations for both employers and employees is crucial when operating in New Jersey's business landscape. This section explains how taxes and statutory fees affect payroll and individual earnings in New Jersey. Note that employees may be liable for additional local taxes in certain cities and jurisdictions.

Employer Tax Contributions

New Jersey employers pay Unemployment Insurance (0.5% - 5.8% on the first $41,100 of wages) and contributions for Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance.

Employment Tax Type Tax Rate
Federal Social Security As stipulated by federal laws
Federal Medicare Tax As stipulated by federal laws
Federal Unemployment Tax As stipulated by federal laws
State Unemployment Insurance Rates for experienced employers: 0.60% – 6.40% Rates for new employers: 3.2825%
State Family Leave insurance 0.28
State Temporary Disability Insurance 0.47
Workforce Development Partnership Fund 0.000425
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rates vary depending on the industry and the level of risk

Employee Payroll Tax Contributions

Employees in New Jersey contribute to TDI (0.47%), FLI (0.28%), and state unemployment insurance (0.425%), plus federal Social Security and Medicare taxes.

Employee Payroll Tax Contribution Tax Rate
Federal Income Tax Based on federal tax brackets
Federal Social Security As stipulated by federal laws
Federal Medicare Tax As stipulated by federal laws
State Unemployment Insurance 0.00425
State Temporary Disability Insurance 0.0047
State Family Leave Insurance 0.0009
Workforce Development Partnership Fund 0.000425

Tax Due Dates in New Jersey

In Georgia, the deadline for filing individual state income tax returns aligns with the federal deadline, typically on April 15. If April 15 falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day.

How To Comply With New Jersey Payroll Taxes

Employers in New Jersey must withhold state income tax based on employee earnings and filing status. The Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax rates vary between 0.5% and 5.8% on the first $41,100 of wages. Employers also need to withhold contributions for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI). Reports should be filed quarterly using Form NJ-927.

Pension in New Jersey

The RetireReady NJ program is a state-mandated Individual Retirement Account model. Under this program, employers who do not currently offer a retirement program to their employees may be required to offer the RetireReady NJ program. It is a state-run IRA program for private sector workers who do not have a retirement plan available to them at work.

Info Icon

The tax-related information provided in this guide is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Reach out to our dedicated team for insights on remote hiring in New Jersey tailored to your needs.

CTA Image showing employees in various countries across the globe
Employee Cost Calculator

Get an instant breakdown of the true costs of hiring in New Jersey.

Calculate Now Default Icon Hover Icon

Paid and Unpaid Leave Policies in New Jersey

Is Vacation Leave Mandatory in New Jersey?

No, vacation leave is not mandatory in New Jersey.

What Are Mandatory Leave Entitlements in New Jersey?

Below are the mandatory leave entitlements for full-time employees in New Jersey.

Type of Leave Time Period Mandatory Pay Status Eligibility Criteria
Earned Sick Leave 1 hour for every 30 hours worked Yes Paid All New Jersey employees, regardless of employer size, are entitled to earn paid sick leave.
Family and Medical Leave As stated by federal laws Yes Unpaid As stated by federal laws
New Jersey Family Leave 12 weeks Yes Paid Employees need to have paid into the program through their employment and meet minimum gross earnings requirements.
New Jersey Temporary Disability Maximum of 26 weeks Yes Paid Employees who have worked for at least 20 weeks and meet the minimum earnings threshold for eligibility.
New Jersey Safe Temporary Leave 20 days Yes Unpaid Have worked at least 1,000 hours during the immediately preceding 12-month period.
Jury Duty Leave As stated by federal laws Yes Unpaid All New Jersey employees are eligible
New Jersey Military Leave No more than 3 months in a 4 year period Yes Paid for the first 30 days. Applies to public and private employers with 50 or more employees

Paid Time Off in New Jersey

No laws requiring paid time off or paid vacation time.

Maternity Leave In New Jersey

Maternity leave in New Jersey is covered by the Family Leave benefit and Temporary Disability Leave benefit. New mothers can receive cash benefits from the Temporary Disability program if they need to stop working before the birth of their child and while recovering thereafter. New mothers can also claim from the federal Family Leave benefit after the recovery period to bond with their babies during the first year.

Paternity Leave In New Jersey

Fathers can make use of the New Jersey Family Leave program. This leave provides the employee with up to 12 consecutive weeks paid leave to bond with a new child.

Sick Leave In New Jersey

Sick leave is governed by the New Jersey Earned Sick Leave. Employees accrue paid sick leave as 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. A maximum of 40 hours sick leave may be accrued. Employers must give employees written notice of their right to earned sick leave and the details of the law. Notice must be in the employee's primary language if available on the NJDOL website. 

This benefit must be made available to all employees regardless of how they are paid. It includes full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal workers. 

Military Leave in New Jersey

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) provides protections of up to five years for uniformed service, reinstatement to the previous position and prohibition against employment discrimination based on military service.

Members of the New Jersey Organized Militia: 

  • Permanent employees or full-time temporary employees with at least one year of service are eligible for up to 90 workdays of paid leave per calendar year for federal active duty and unlimited paid leave for state active duty.

Jury Duty in New Jersey

In New Jersey, jury duty is a civic responsibility required of all eligible residents. Employers are not required to pay employees during their time serving on jury duty, but they cannot fire, retaliate, or threaten an employee who is serving on jury duty.

Parental Leave In New Jersey

The NJFLA (New Jersey Family Leave Act) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 24-month period for employees to bond with a newborn, newly adopted child, or a child placed through foster care.

The New Jersey Paid Family Leave program, also known as Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), provides partial wage replacement for workers who take time off to bond with a newborn or newly adopted child. TDI provides up to 6 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period.

Voting Leave in New Jersey

Voting leave is not mandatory in New Jersey, though employers cannot influence employees' voting decisions. Employers are not legally required to provide leave for voting, though some may choose to.

New Jersey Safe Temporary Leave

Employees who need leave due to domestic violence or sexual assault can take up to 20 days of unpaid leave. Eligibility requires the employee to have worked at least 1,000 hours in the past 12 months.

It’s Easy To Manage Benefits For Employees In New Jersey With Playroll

Benefit Requirements for Employers in New Jersey

Employers in New Jersey are subject to a number of state-mandated benefits and regulations that ensure the well-being of employees. These requirements include provisions for paid family leave, unemployment insurance, and temporary disability benefits, as well as compliance with federal laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Employee Benefits For New Jersey 

Competitive benefits are essential for attracting and retaining top talent in New Jersey. Offering the right package helps employees feel valued and motivated. Our benefits experts understand the local labor market's trends, requirements, and expectations, ensuring your employees feel valued and supported. Common benefits in our New Jersey packages include:  

  • Pension or 401(K)
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Plan (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Are Employers Required To Provide Health Insurance in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, employers' obligations regarding employee health insurance are influenced by both federal and state regulations, primarily determined by the size of the business.

  • Employers with 50 or more employees must provide minimum essential health insurance coverage as stipulated by the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA)
  • Employers with less than 50 employees are not required to provide health insurance.

Do Part-Time Employees Get Benefits in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, part-time employees may be eligible for certain benefits under state or federal laws. Examples of benefits that part-time employees are entitled to are:

  • Health Insurance
  • Paid sick leave
  • Family leave
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Overtime pay

Are Employers Required To Offer 401k in New Jersey?

New Jersey does not require employers to offer a 401(k) plan. However, New Jersey has implemented a state-run retirement savings program called the Secure Choice Savings Program for private employers with 25 or more employees. Employers in New Jersey who do not offer a retirement plan are required to automatically enroll employees in the program, allowing workers to contribute to an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) through payroll deductions. Employees can opt out of this.

Employment Termination Protocols in New Jersey

Termination Process in New Jersey

New Jersey is an at-will employment state. This means that employers can terminate an employee for any lawful reason, or no reason at all, without prior notice and employees can also resign without reason or notice. However, termination cannot be based on discriminatory reasons, retaliation, or violations of public policy.

Notice Period in New Jersey

New Jersey does not require employers to provide advance notice for termination unless specified in an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement.

Severance in New Jersey

Severance is not mandatory in New Jersey unless required by the employment agreement or collective bargaining agreement.

Hiring Employees in New Jersey with an employer of record

Discuss how an EOR handles onboarding, including setting up compliant employment contracts, registering for taxes, and managing benefits like New Jersey's superannuation system (if applicable).

The employer of record is responsible for:

  • Employment Compliance: Ensure all employment contracts comply with New Jersey's labor laws and regulations, including proper classification of employees.
  • Payroll Management: Calculate, process, and distribute employee salaries in accordance with New Jersey's payroll laws, including deductions for taxes and social security contributions.
  • Tax Filing and Contributions: Handle the registration, filing, and payment of employer taxes and social security contributions to the relevant authorities.
  • Employment Contracts: Draft and maintain compliant employment agreements, detailing salary, benefits, working hours, and termination terms in line with New Jersey's legal requirements.
  • Benefits Administration: Provide mandatory employee benefits as required by [State]'s labor laws, such as health insurance, pension contributions, and statutory leave.

Back to Top

Copied to Clipboard

Woman with glasses
Woman with glasses

Take your business to new places

Employer of Record for New Jersey

  • hire icon Hire employees without entity setup.
  • handshake icon Full compliance, we assume 100% liability.
  • gift icon Handle local payroll and benefits seamlessly.
  • headphones icon 24/5 responsive real-human support.
  • money icon Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.

FAQS

FAQs About Hiring In New Jersey

Playroll makes growing your team in New Jersey effortless. Ready to start?

The HR Platform built to scale your global team.