Tennessee Minimum Wage & Overtime Laws
Tennessee does not have a state minimum wage or daily overtime law. Instead, the state relies completely on the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In 2026, the minimum wage remains $7.25/hr (cash tipped minimum is $2.13/hr). Weekly overtime (1.5x) must be paid for all hours worked over 40. For tipped employee overtime, the 1.5x premium is calculated on the full $7.25 rate, with the $5.12 tip credit subtracted afterward, resulting in an overtime cash wage of at least $5.76 per hour before tips. For official details, contact the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Tennessee for 2026?
Tennessee does not have a state minimum wage law. Therefore, it defaults to the federal minimum wage under the FLSA, which is currently $7.25 per hour. The cash minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour.
Does Tennessee have daily overtime limits?
No. Tennessee strictly follows the federal FLSA rule. Employers are only required to pay overtime (1.5 times the regular rate) for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a single 7-day workweek. Daily overtime is not mandated by state law.
How is overtime calculated for tipped employees in Tennessee?
Overtime for tipped employees in Tennessee is calculated at 1.5 times the full federal minimum wage ($7.25 × 1.5 = $10.875/hr), minus the allowable tip credit ($5.12/hr), resulting in an overtime cash wage of at least $5.76 per hour before tips.