Getting Paid
N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.3 — the final pay by the next regular payday, and up to 200 percent more for wages withheld
In New Jersey, every employer pays the full wages due at least twice each calendar month, on regular paydays set in advance. The pay period can end no more than 10 working days before the payday.
Final pay by the next regular payday. When an employee is fired, laid off, quits or leaves for any reason, the employer pays all wages due no later than the regular payday for the pay period in which the employment ended, through the usual channels or by mail if the employee asks.
Up to 200 percent more. An employee not paid the wages due may sue for the full amount plus liquidated damages of up to 200 percent of the wages, with costs and reasonable attorney's fees. For a first violation, the liquidated damages are not required if the employer shows a good faith, inadvertent error, admits the violation and pays within 30 days of notice.
Sources for this section (3)
- N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.2 — Time and mode of payment; paydays
- N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.3 — Termination or suspension of employment
- N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.10 — Wage payment violations and penalties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.