The minimum cash wage for tipped employees (like waiters) in New Jersey is $5.62 per hour. Employers can claim a maximum tip credit of $9.87, but the hourly wage plus tips must equal at least the state minimum wage of $15.49 per hour. THIS MEANS: Employers only have to pay for the full NJ minimum wage if employees do not earn the full amount in tips. Instead of being angry that servers are getting to make minimum wage (which can’t even afford them rent in this county), maybe look into why food prices are so high that restaurant owners can’t afford to pay their servers????