Minimum Wage in Tennessee (TN)
The minimum wage in Tennessee is $7.25 per hour , effective July 24, 2009. This follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $2.13 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $2.13/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. Tennessee has no state minimum wage law. The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr applies.
Minimum Wage by City in Tennessee
The table below shows the minimum wage for 3 cities in Tennessee. No cities currently have local minimum wages above the state rate of $7.25/hr.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $7.25/hr | $15,080 | Same | Same |
| Memphis | $7.25/hr | $15,080 | Same | Same |
| Knoxville | $7.25/hr | $15,080 | Same | Same |
How Tennessee Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Tennessee with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Tennessee stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (TN) | $7.25/hr | $2.13/hr | $15,080 |
| Alabama (AL) | $7.25/hr | $2.13/hr | $15,080 |
| Georgia (GA) | $7.25/hr | $2.13/hr | $15,080 |
| Idaho (ID) | $7.25/hr | $3.35/hr | $15,080 |
| Indiana (IN) | $7.25/hr | $2.13/hr | $15,080 |
| Iowa (IA) | $7.25/hr | $4.35/hr | $15,080 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in Tennessee in 2026?
The minimum wage in Tennessee is $7.25 per hour as of July 24, 2009. This is the federal minimum wage rate. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $15,080 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Tennessee?
The tipped minimum wage in Tennessee is $2.13 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $5.12/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $2.13/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $7.25/hr.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in Tennessee?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Tennessee (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $15,080 per year before taxes. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in Tennessee, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.