NJ Lawmakers Just Recieved A Massive Pay Increase

When's the last time you got a raise at work? And if you did get a raise, first off, congratulations, but was it just a cost-of-living increase? Or was it really substantial?

I'm a firm believer that you should get at least a small boost in pay year after year if you're meeting your goals at work, while the cost of living in the Garden State skyrockets.

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That even means NJ Lawmakers deserve to have their salaries keep up with inflation and soaring costs.

And trust me, when I first saw that NJ Lawmakers were taking a massive pay hike, I was fuming a little bit. Don't they already make enough money for not doing anything?

But then, after digging a little deeper realized that I was wrong in my way of thinking.

💰HOW MUCH $$$ DO YOU NEED TO LIVE IN NJ? KEEP READING TO FIND OUT

When Is The Last Time NJ Lawmakers Took A Pay Increase?

According to NJ.com, NJ Lawmakers, that means members of the New Jersey Senate and Assembly, haven't received any sort of bump in pay for over 20 years.

And up until their most recent pay increase, they were only making $49,000 a year.

What Are NJ lawmakers' Salaries in 2026?

Now that the pay bump was approved, lawmakers are getting a 67 percent increase, with their salaries now starting at $82,000 per year, with the Governor's salary increasing from $175,000 to $210,000.

I do feel as though the increase is valid and warranted. Being a politician in the year 2026 can't be an easy job; it's a stressful job, and while you're on the job, it requires your constant attention and vigilance, so more money to do that job makes sense.

How Are NJ Lawmaker Salaries Paid For?

Lawmakers' salaries are funded by the revenue of the State, meaning through taxpayer money. Although I agree the raise was necessary after remaining stagnant for 20 plus years, I really hope it doesn't make my taxes increase more in the near future.