Current Minimum Wage in Tennessee
Tennessee does not have a state minimum wage law. The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr applies to covered workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $7.25 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $58 | 8 |
| Weekly | $290 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $580 | 80 |
| Monthly | $1,257 | ~173 |
| Annual | $15,080 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in Tennessee can be paid a cash wage of $2.13/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $7.25/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
No scheduled increases. Tennessee has no state minimum wage law.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $20 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (TN)
~$15.38/hr
Based on cost of living index (90.5)
Cost of Living Context
Tennessee's cost of living index is 90.5 (national average = 100). This means living in Tennessee is 9.5% cheaper than the national average. The median hourly wage in Tennessee is $19.34/hr, which is 167% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
No state minimum wage law. Federal rate applies. No state income tax helps offset lower wages.
How This Compares
| Metric | TN | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $2.13 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $15,080 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
Tennessee Average Salary
Median income and top employers in TN
Tennessee Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in TN
Salary Calculator
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Paycheck Calculator
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