Intro to Tennessee Labor Laws Heading

Get an overview of the Tennessee labor laws small businesses should know when hiring, and updates on employment laws that could impact your business.

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Last updated on October 17th, 2024

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage in Tennessee is $7.25 per hour, which is the same as the federal minimum wage.

References: Minimum Wage Tracker

Minimum Exempt Salary Requirements

Tennessee follows the federal minimum exempt requirement of $684 per week or $35,568 per year for most exemptions from minimum wage and overtime.

References: Federal Minimum Exemption Threshold

Meal & Rest Laws

In Tennessee, employees are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid meal break after six consecutive working hours. Tennessee follows federal regulations and doesn’t require employers to offer employees rest periods. 

References: Wages & Breaks

Lactation Accommodation Laws

Tennessee law requires all employers to grant employees reasonable unpaid breaks and a private place, other than a bathroom stall, to pump breast milk during working hours. 

References: Breastfeeding Laws

Updates to Tennessee Labor Laws

Keep up to date with important changes to state and local employment laws in Tennessee.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.

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