Are You Being Paid What You Deserve? Understanding Wage and Overtime Rights in NJ

Every worker in New Jersey has the right to be fairly compensated for their labor. Unfortunately, wage theft and unpaid overtime are common problems that affect thousands of employees across the state. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we help workers understand their rights and take legal action when employers violate wage and hour laws.

What Are Wage and Overtime Laws?

Wage and overtime laws are designed to ensure that workers are paid fairly for the time they put in. Under both federal and New Jersey law, most employees are entitled to:

• Minimum wage
• Overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per week
• Regular, on-time paychecks
• Accurate timekeeping and pay records

Employers who fail to comply with these requirements may be violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law (NJWHL).

Common Violations We See

Wage and overtime violations can happen in many ways. Some common examples include:

• Not paying overtime to hourly or salaried workers who qualify
• Misclassifying employees as exempt or as independent contractors
• Off-the-clock work before or after shifts
• Illegal deductions from paychecks
• Failure to pay for meal breaks, travel time, or training

If you’re working more than 40 hours a week and not being paid 1.5 times your regular rate for those extra hours, your rights may be violated.

Who Is Entitled to Overtime?

Many employees believe they are not entitled to overtime simply because they receive a salary. This is a common misconception. Unless you meet specific criteria for exemption—such as executive, administrative, or professional duties—you are likely entitled to overtime pay under the law.

Legal Remedies for Wage Violations

When wage laws are violated, employees have the right to pursue back pay, penalties, and other damages. These may include:

• Unpaid wages and overtime
• Liquidated damages (often double the unpaid amount)
• Attorney’s fees and court costs
• Reinstatement if you were terminated in retaliation

Protecting Yourself from Wage Theft

If you suspect your employer is violating wage or overtime laws, take the following steps:

1. Keep records: Track your hours, pay stubs, job duties, and communications with your employer.
2. Compare your duties with the law: Review whether you meet the test for exempt status under the FLSA or NJWHL.
3. Contact an attorney: A wage and hour lawyer can help you determine whether you have a case and how best to proceed.

Let NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Help You

We have extensive experience handling wage and overtime cases for workers across New Jersey. Whether you’re an hourly employee not being paid overtime or a salaried worker misclassified to avoid extra pay, we’re here to help you get the compensation you’ve earned. Our legal team is prepared to take your case to court if necessary to hold employers accountable.

Reach out to our wage and overtime attorneys in New Jersey to schedule a confidential consultation today.

About NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC

At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we represent individuals in employment-related legal matters throughout New Jersey. Our practice areas include unpaid wages, overtime violations, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and misclassification. We bring dedication, experience, and a results-driven approach to every case we handle.

Contact Information

NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
(973) 358-7027