Tennessee Employment Law — full calculator
This interactive calculator covers three Tennessee-specific labor law rules that go beyond the federal FLSA floor: (1) final paycheck deadlines under Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-2-103(g) — due by the later of the next regular payday or 21 days after separation; (2) meal and rest break requirements under § 50-2-103(h) — a 30-minute unpaid break at 6+ consecutive hours; and (3) non-compete enforceability under HB 1034 — agreements prohibited for employees earning under $70,000/year (as of 2026). Use the tabs to explore each rule.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When must a Tennessee employer issue a final paycheck?
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-2-103(g) (as of 2026), Tennessee employers must pay all earned wages no later than the LATER of: (a) the next regular payday following separation, or (b) 21 days after the date of discharge or voluntary leaving. This applies equally whether the employee was fired, laid off, or quit.
Does Tennessee have its own overtime law beyond federal FLSA?
No. Tennessee does not have a separate state overtime law. Employers in Tennessee follow the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which requires overtime pay at 1.5× the regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. There is no daily overtime threshold or double-time requirement under Tennessee law.
Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Tennessee in 2026?
It depends on the employee's compensation and when the contract was signed. Tennessee HB 1034 (effective July 1, 2025) prohibits non-compete agreements for employees earning less than $70,000 per year on contracts signed or modified on or after that date. For higher-earning employees, Tennessee courts apply a reasonableness test examining time period, geographic scope, and whether the restriction protects a legitimate business interest.
Is Tennessee an at-will employment state?
Yes. Tennessee is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for any reason not prohibited by law (discrimination, retaliation, etc.), and employees may resign at any time. Final paycheck rules under Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-2-103(g) still apply regardless of termination reason.
What is Tennessee's minimum wage in 2026?
Tennessee does not have a state minimum wage law. Employers subject to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act must pay at least $7.25 per hour — the federal floor — as of 2026.
Does Tennessee require meal or rest breaks for adult employees?
Yes. Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-2-103(h) requires a 30-minute unpaid meal or rest period when an employee is scheduled for 6 or more consecutive hours. An exception applies in workplaces where the nature of the business provides ample opportunity to rest (e.g., food/beverage service, daycare, security roles). The FLSA imposes no federal meal-break mandate for adults.
Does Tennessee require paid sick leave?
No. Tennessee has no state law requiring private employers to provide paid sick leave. Sick leave policies for private-sector employees are governed solely by the employer's policies or any applicable collective bargaining agreement. (Tennessee state government employees have a separate sick leave program.)
What penalties apply if a Tennessee employer fails to issue a final paycheck on time?
Under Tennessee law, failure to pay final wages on time can expose the employer to a civil wage claim by the employee for the unpaid wages plus potential attorney's fees. The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development can also investigate and pursue enforcement actions for wage violations.
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