Labor Rights in Tennessee
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 hour |
| Overtime | 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek (federal FLSA baseline; no daily overtime requirement) |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate |
| Paid family and medical leave | No state program |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement beyond federal for adults. Minors under 18 must receive a 30 minute meal or rest break for every 6 consecutive hours worked |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement beyond federal |
| Right-to-work law | Yes |
| At-will employment | public policy, implied contract Confirm with your state labor department. |
| Final paycheck | Due 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.
- Virginia$12.77 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- North Carolina$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- Georgia$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
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 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.