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Minimum Wage in Tennessee

Tennessee has no state minimum wage law, so employees covered by the federal FLSA receive the federal $7.25 per hour and a tipped cash wage of at least $2.13.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Tennessee at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$7.25 (federal rate, no state law)
Employers covered by the FLSA must pay the federal minimum wage.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$2.13 (federal rate)
Federal tipped cash wage under the FLSA.
Next scheduled increase
None scheduled
No state minimum wage law; any change would follow the federal rate.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Tennessee

What is the minimum wage in Tennessee in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in Tennessee: $7.25 (federal rate, no state law). Employers covered by the FLSA must pay the federal minimum wage.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in Tennessee?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in Tennessee: $2.13 (federal rate). Federal tipped cash wage under the FLSA.

When is the next minimum wage increase in Tennessee?

Next scheduled increase in Tennessee: None scheduled. No state minimum wage law; any change would follow the federal rate.

Where do the Tennessee minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from US DOL, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026). Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.