Tennessee Minimum Wage (2026)
Tennessee’s minimum wage matches the federal $7.25 — the state sets no higher rate of its own. Tipped: tipped minimum $2.13. Next change: no increase currently scheduled.
The minimum wage in Tennessee is $7.25/hour in 2026 (effective July 24, 2009).
- Minimum wage$7.25
- Tipped minimum$2.13
- Next scheduled changeNone scheduled
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$15,080
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
None. Tennessee has no future increase written into law; the rate changes only by legislation or ballot measure.
Tennessee vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $7.25 | same |
| Virginia | $12.77 | +$5.52 |
| North Carolina | $7.25 | same |
| Georgia | $7.25 | same |
| Alabama | $7.25 | same |
Carve-outs & details
No state minimum wage law; federal $7.25 applies to FLSA-covered employment. History array omitted (no state rate).
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Tennessee in 2026?
$7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009. This is the federal rate; the state sets no higher minimum of its own.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Tennessee?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $2.13; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does Tennessee's minimum wage go up next?
No future increase is currently written into law; a change would require new legislation or a ballot measure.
How much is full-time minimum wage in Tennessee per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $7.25/hour is $15,080 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Tennessee labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.