Minimum Wage
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay rate that employers are legally obligated to pay employees. The federal minimum wage is a wage baseline, but different states, cities, and regions can adopt their own rates.
$7.25 per hour (Federal Rate)
State Rule: Tennessee does not have a state minimum wage law. Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) must follow the federal minimum wage.
Local Preemption: Tennessee law prohibits local governments from establishing minimum wage rates higher than the federal standard.
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Tipped Minimum Wage
$2.13 per hour
Tennessee follows the federal FLSA standards for tipped employees.
Requirement: Employers may pay a cash wage of $2.13 per hour, provided that the employee’s tips plus the cash wage equal at least $7.25 per hour. If they do not, the employer must make up the difference.
Overtime Laws
Tennessee does not have its own state overtime laws. Employers must follow the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Rule: Non-exempt employees must receive 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 hours in a workweek.
Meal and Rest Break
Meal Break Requirement: Tennessee law requires that all employees (adults and minors) be provided a 30-minute unpaid meal or rest period if they are scheduled to work 6 consecutive hours.
Exception: This does not apply to workplace environments that "by their nature of business" provide ample opportunity to rest or take a break (e.g., certain waitstaff or security roles).
Rest Breaks: There are no state laws requiring additional short rest breaks (e.g., 10-15 minutes). If provided, breaks under 20 minutes must be paid.
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Leave and Holidays
Tennessee does not require private employers to provide paid or unpaid vacation or sick leave.
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Child Labor Laws
Minors under 14 are generally prohibited from working.
Minors Ages 14–15
School Days: Max 3 hours per day.
School Weeks: Max 18 hours per week.
Non-School Days: Max 8 hours per day.
Non-School Weeks: Max 40 hours per week.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Extended to 9:00 PM from June 1 through Labor Day).
Minors Ages 16–17
Curfew (School Nights): Minors cannot work between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM on nights preceding a school day (Sunday–Thursday).
Exception: With parental consent, they may work until 12:00 AM (Midnight) up to 3 nights per week (Sun–Thurs).
Breaks: Must receive the standard 30-minute break after 6 hours.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this publication is for general informational purposes only. Deputy makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, with respect to the software or the information contained in this publication. While, Deputy’s software is designed to simplify shift work by assisting with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, time and attendance tracking, payroll integration, and wage and hour compliance, it is not a substitute for payroll or legal advice, nor is it intended to relieve you of your obligation to comply with the legal requirements applicable to your business. It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that your use of Deputy complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Please review our Product Specific Terms for more information about your compliance responsibilities.
