New Jersey employment requirements
- Minimum wage
- $15.92/hour
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay after 40 hours in a week
- Sick leave
- Required, 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year
- Worker protections
Domestic Worker Bill of Rights in effect
- A written contract signed and dated by both sides, for work of 5 or more hours a month
- A paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked, and a 30-minute meal break after 5 hours
- Two weeks' notice before dismissal, or four weeks for a live-in nanny, or pay for the notice period, unless the nanny abused, neglected or harmed someone in the household
- Privacy of personal documents and living quarters
- Protection against retaliation, discrimination and harassment
Frequently asked questions
What does New Jersey's Domestic Worker Bill of Rights mean for my contract?
New Jersey has a Domestic Worker Bill of Rights that provides additional protections, including a written contract signed and dated by both sides, for work of 5 or more hours a month; a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked, and a 30-minute meal break after 5 hours; two weeks' notice before dismissal, or four weeks for a live-in nanny, or pay for the notice period, unless the nanny abused, neglected or harmed someone in the household; privacy of personal documents and living quarters; and protection against retaliation, discrimination and harassment. These protections are referenced in your contract.
How much sick leave do I need to provide in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires paid sick leave for employees. The accrual rate is 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. The contract builder fills in what a full-time nanny must be allowed, and you can always offer more.
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey?
The current statewide minimum wage in New Jersey is $15.92/hour. Your nanny's pay rate must be at or above this amount.