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What is the minimum wage in Tennessee?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Tennessee is one of five states with NO state minimum wage statute. Workers covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) receive $7.25/hour.

1. No State Minimum Wage

The Tennessee General Assembly has never enacted a state minimum wage. The Tennessee Code does not contain a state minimum wage rate. Federal FLSA applies to nearly all employers (annual gross sales of $500,000+ OR engaged in interstate commerce).

2. Federal Rate

  • $7.25/hour under 29 U.S.C. § 206 — unchanged since July 24, 2009.
  • Workers under 20: $4.25/hour youth wage for first 90 days (29 U.S.C. § 206(g)).

    • 3. Tipped Workers

    Federal rules apply: $2.13/hour cash wage + tips that bring employee to $7.25. If not, employer must make up the shortfall (29 U.S.C. § 203(m)).

    4. Local Preemption

    T.C.A. § 50-2-112 (the "Tennessee Wage Preemption Act," 2013) prohibits any city, county, or other political subdivision from enacting a minimum wage above the federal floor. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga cannot set higher local minimums for private employers.

    5. Overtime

    Federal FLSA: 1.5x after 40 hours/week (29 U.S.C. § 207). No state overtime law. No daily overtime.

    6. Federal Exemptions

  • Executive, administrative, professional, computer, outside sales (salary basis $684/week + duties test).
  • Agricultural workers on small farms.
  • Some seasonal recreation workers.
  • Live-in domestic workers (OT exempt).

    • 7. Wage Payment Law

    Tennessee does have a wage payment statute (T.C.A. § 50-2-103) requiring payment at least twice per month, with specific paydays. Final wages due by next regular payday (or within 21 days, whichever is later).

    8. Enforcement

  • Federal: U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division enforces FLSA. 2-year SOL (3 years willful), liquidated damages = unpaid wages.
  • State: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development handles wage payment claims (not minimum wage).

    • 9. Pending Reform

    Bills to enact a Tennessee minimum wage have been introduced repeatedly without success. As of 2025, no state minimum wage exists.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your employer is FLSA-covered but pays under $7.25
    • Your final paycheck wasn't paid within 21 days
    • You're misclassified as an independent contractor or exempt
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • T.C.A. § 50-2-103
    • T.C.A. § 50-2-112
    • 29 U.S.C. § 206
    • 29 U.S.C. § 207
    • 29 U.S.C. § 203(m)

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.