# Labor Rights in Tennessee

[Labor rights by state](/labor-rights/)

Tennessee follows the federal floor with a $7.25 minimum wage and $2.13 tipped wage, and has no statewide paid sick leave or paid family leave programs. Right-to-work is in the state constitution (added by voters in 2022). Workers get one modest timing protection: final wages must be paid by the next regular payday or within 21 days of leaving, whichever is later.

Data last verified 2026-10-12

## Workplace rights in Tennessee at a glance

  Minimum wage (2026)$7.25 (no state minimum wage law; federal rate applies)Tipped minimum wage (2026)$2.13 per hour cash wage (federal tip credit of up to $5.12 applies); tips plus cash wage must total at least $7.25 per hourOvertime1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek (federal FLSA baseline; no daily overtime requirement)Paid sick leaveNo statewide mandatePaid family and medical leaveNo state programMeal breaksNo state requirement beyond federal for adults. Minors under 18 must receive a 30 minute meal or rest break for every 6 consecutive hours workedRest breaksNo state requirement beyond federalRight-to-work lawYesAt-will employmentpublic policy, implied contract Confirm with your state labor department.Final paycheckDue on the next regular payday or within 21 days of separation, whichever is later (Tenn. Code 50-2-103)

## How Tennessee compares to federal law

Tennessee 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. There is no state paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate, so the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (unpaid leave for eligible workers) is the only baseline.

## Neighboring states

- [**Kentucky**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/kentucky/)
- [**Virginia**$12.77 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/virginia/)
- [**North Carolina**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/north-carolina/)
- [**Georgia**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/georgia/)

[Compare all 50 states and DC side by side](/labor-rights/)

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 Tennessee's minimum wage in 2026?

$7.25 per hour. Tennessee has no state minimum wage law, so the federal rate applies.

### When do I get my final paycheck in Tennessee?

On the next regular payday or within 21 days after separation, whichever is later.

### Is Tennessee a right-to-work state?

Yes. Right-to-work was added to the Tennessee Constitution by a 2022 voter referendum.

### Does Tennessee require paid sick leave?

No. There is no statewide paid sick leave mandate in Tennessee.