Labor Rights in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is the outlier in New England: it has no state minimum wage above the federal $7.25, no statewide paid sick leave, and no mandatory paid family leave program. Its main worker protections are a 30-minute meal break after 5 hours, a strict 72-hour final paycheck deadline for fired workers, and the FLSA overtime rule.
Data last verified 2026-10-12
Workplace rights in New Hampshire at a glance
| Minimum wage (2026) | $7.25 per hour. New Hampshire tracks the federal minimum wage (RSA 279:21) and has no higher state rate. |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage (2026) | $3.27 per hour cash wage (45% of the minimum wage). Maximum tip credit is $3.98; if tips plus cash wage do not reach $7.25 per hour, the employer must make up the difference. |
| Overtime | 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, consistent with federal FLSA. No daily overtime rule. |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate. |
| Paid family and medical leave | No state program. New Hampshire runs a voluntary Granite State Paid Family Leave Plan that employers can opt into, but there is no mandatory state-run paid leave insurance. |
| Meal breaks | 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours of work, unless the employee is able to eat while working (RSA 275:30-a). |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement beyond federal. |
| Right-to-work law | No |
| At-will employment | Implied contract and public policy exceptions recognized; no general good-faith covenant. Confirm with your state labor department. |
| Final paycheck | Due within 72 hours if fired or laid off. If the employee quits, due on the next regular payday, or within 72 hours if the employee gave at least one pay period of notice. |
How New Hampshire compares to federal law
New Hampshire uses the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, with no higher state rate. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Neighboring states
- Maine$15.10 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- Massachusetts$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- Vermont$14.42 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
Compare all 50 states and DC side by side
Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in New Hampshire in 2026?
$7.25 per hour. New Hampshire follows the federal rate and has no higher state minimum.
Does New Hampshire have paid sick leave?
No. There is no statewide paid sick leave mandate in New Hampshire.
Is New Hampshire a right-to-work state?
No. New Hampshire is not a right-to-work state.
When must my final paycheck be paid in New Hampshire?
Within 72 hours if you are fired or laid off. If you quit, on the next regular payday (or within 72 hours if you gave at least one pay period of notice).