Tennessee defers to the federal $7.25 minimum wage, lacking its own state law.
Tennessee is one of five states that does not have a state-specific minimum wage law. Employers in Tennessee must adhere to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This means there are no additional state-level requirements beyond the federal standard for most employees.
Federal $7.25 Floor (No State Min Wage)
Enforces $7.25 federal minimum wage. TN is one of 5 states with no state minimum wage law. Tenn. Code 50-2-114 references federal by reference.
What these rules do as a Tennessee shift is created.
Teambridge integrates Tennessee's minimum wage rules directly into your scheduling and payroll processes, ensuring every shift is compliant with federal standards, which Tennessee adopts by reference.
Prevents underpayment
Before a shift is confirmed, Teambridge verifies that the scheduled hourly rate for non-exempt employees meets or exceeds the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. If a rate below this threshold is detected, the system flags it for immediate correction, preventing potential wage violations.
Streamlines wage calculations
For payroll processing, Teambridge automatically applies the correct minimum wage rate for all hours worked by non-exempt employees, eliminating manual checks and reducing the risk of errors. This ensures accurate and timely compensation in accordance with federal law, as adopted by Tennessee.
Alerts for sub-minimum wage roles
While Tennessee generally follows the federal minimum wage, specific exceptions (e.g., for certain student workers or workers with disabilities under federal certificates) may exist. Teambridge can be configured to flag such roles, prompting administrators to ensure proper documentation and compliance with federal sub-minimum wage provisions.
Compliance, on autopilot.
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Tennessee employers must adhere to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Tennessee does not have its own state minimum wage law, meaning employers are required to comply with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum wage. This applies to most employees unless specifically exempted by federal law.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-2-114. Minimum wage.
"The minimum wage for all employees subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, shall be the same as that provided by federal law."
Key aspects of Tennessee's minimum wage application
Because Tennessee defers to federal law, the state’s wage and hour framework is largely dictated by the FLSA. This means that federal definitions for employee, employer, hours worked, and exemptions (e.g., executive, administrative, professional, outside sales) apply directly. There is no separate state mechanism to set a higher or lower general minimum wage, nor does the state legislate specific industries or occupations with different minimum wage rates unless those are also covered by federal special wage provisions.
Tipped Employees and Minimum Wage
For tipped employees, Tennessee also follows federal regulations. The federal minimum cash wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour, provided that the employee's tips, when combined with the cash wage, meet or exceed the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. If the tips do not bring the employee's total hourly earnings to at least $7.25, the employer must make up the difference. A "tipped employee" is defined federally as one who customarily and regularly receives more than $30 per month in tips. Tennessee law does not introduce additional requirements or higher tip credits.
Teambridge ensures Tennessee's federal minimum wage compliance automatically.
From scheduling to payroll, Teambridge handles the nuances of Tennessee's wage laws, which largely mirror federal standards, so you can focus on your business.
Minimum wage validation at shift creation
When you create a shift, Teambridge automatically checks that the assigned hourly rate for non-exempt employees meets the federal $7.25 minimum wage. Any discrepancy triggers an alert, allowing for immediate correction before the shift is published.
Accurate hours for accurate pay
Teambridge's time tracking system precisely records all hours worked, including any meal breaks (like the mandatory 30-minute break for 6+ hour shifts under Tenn. Code § 50-2-103(h)). These hours are then used for minimum wage compliance calculations.
Guaranteed federal minimum wage adherence
Before payroll processing, Teambridge ensures that all non-exempt employees receive at least the federal $7.25 minimum wage for every hour worked. For tipped employees, it verifies that the combined cash wage and tips meet this federal floor, automatically adjusting if necessary.
Audit-ready wage records
All wage calculations and compliance checks are logged and accessible through Teambridge's reporting features, providing clear documentation for internal reviews or external audits, demonstrating adherence to federal and Tennessee wage standards.
People also ask.
Does Tennessee have its own state minimum wage?
No, Tennessee does not have its own state minimum wage law. Employers in Tennessee are required to comply with the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-2-114 explicitly states that the minimum wage shall be the same as that provided by federal law.
What is the minimum wage in Tennessee in 2026?
As of 2026, the minimum wage in Tennessee remains $7.25 per hour, which is the current federal minimum wage. Since Tennessee does not have a state minimum wage, the federal rate applies.
Do employers in Tennessee have to pay overtime?
Yes, employers in Tennessee must pay overtime in accordance with federal FLSA rules. This means non-exempt employees must receive one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Tennessee does not have its own state overtime statute.
What is the minimum wage for tipped employees in Tennessee?
For tipped employees, Tennessee follows federal FLSA rules. The minimum cash wage an employer must pay is $2.13 per hour. However, if an employee's tips, when added to the $2.13, do not reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, the employer must make up the difference.
Are there any exceptions to the federal minimum wage in Tennessee?
Any exceptions to the minimum wage in Tennessee would align with federal FLSA exemptions. These can include certain executive, administrative, professional, and outside sales employees, as well as specific provisions for student learners, workers with disabilities under special certificates, or certain seasonal recreational establishments. These are defined by federal law, not state law.
How does Tennessee enforce federal minimum wage laws?
While Tennessee defers to federal law for the minimum wage rate, the state's Department of Labor and Workforce Development may investigate wage claims. However, primary enforcement for minimum wage violations typically falls under the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.