TNTennessee pay rules
Minimum wage $7.25. Overtime after 40 hours in a week. If you are fired, your last check is due by the next regular payday or within 21 days of the last day, whichever is later.
Tennessee minimum wage$7.25 now
Tennessee overtime lawsWeekly overtime after 40 hours
Tennessee final paycheck lawFired: next regular payday or within 21 days of the last day, whichever is later
Tennessee PTO payout lawDepends on written policy
| Rule | Tennessee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $7.25 an hour since July 24, 2009. No change planned. Tennessee has no state minimum wage law. The federal rate applies to covered employers. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Cash pay if you get tips | At least $2.13 an hour. Tips may make up the rest, up to $5.12. Federal rule. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Overtime | Federal rule only: 1.5x after 40 hours in a work week. Tennessee has no state overtime law. | Federal wage law, 29 U.S.C. 207checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if fired | Next regular payday or within 21 days of the last day, whichever is later | Tenn. Code 50-2-103(g)checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if you quit | Next regular payday or within 21 days of the last day, whichever is later | Tenn. Code 50-2-103(g)checked October 29, 2026 |
| If the last check is late | None automatic. Claims through the Tennessee Department of Labor. | Tenn. Code 50-2-103(g)checked October 29, 2026 |
| Unused vacation when you leave | Depends on your employer's written policy. The employer's written policy or contract governs payout of unused vacation. | Tenn. Code 50-2-103(a)(3)checked October 29, 2026 |
| Meal break | 30-minute unpaid meal break for employees scheduled 6 consecutive hours or more, not during or before the first hour. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Rest break | No state rest period requirement. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
These rules cover the whole state. Cities and industries with their own rules are noted in the table. Checked October 29, 2026. Next check: January 1, 2027.