Tennessee Overtime Laws
Tennessee follows federal FLSA overtime rules.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$7.25
Federal rate
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Standard FLSA exemptions apply
Important Notes
Tennessee has no state minimum wage or overtime law.
State Labor Department
Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Phone: (615) 741-6642
https://www.tn.gov/workforce.html
Tennessee Economy and Workforce
Tennessee boasts a gross state product of $375.8 billion, driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and entertainment. Nashville is known as the 'Healthcare Capital of the U.S.' with over 500 healthcare companies, while the state's auto manufacturing sector includes major plants from Nissan and Volkswagen.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Tennessee industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Healthcare
Nashville alone hosts over 900 healthcare companies contributing $67 billion to the economy. Nurses, medical technicians, and hospital staff frequently work overtime shifts to maintain 24/7 patient care.
Automotive Manufacturing
Tennessee is home to Nissan's Smyrna plant (North America's largest automotive assembly facility) and other major manufacturers. Production workers often work overtime during high-demand periods and new model launches.
Music and Entertainment
With 80,000 direct and indirect music industry jobs in Nashville and 200 recording studios, production crews, venue staff, and event workers often work long hours during concerts, recordings, and festivals.
Logistics and Distribution
Tennessee's central location makes it a logistics hub. Warehouse workers and delivery drivers frequently work overtime, especially during peak shipping seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Tennessee does not have its own state overtime law. Overtime in Tennessee is governed entirely by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which requires employers to pay non-exempt employees 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
As of January 1, 2025, employees must earn at least $1,128 per week ($58,656 annually) AND meet specific job duty tests to be exempt from overtime. Employees earning below this threshold and performing non-exempt duties are entitled to overtime pay.
Since Tennessee relies on federal overtime law, you should file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. You can call 1-866-4US-WAGE or visit the DOL website to file online. You can also pursue a private lawsuit against your employer.
How to File a Wage Claim in Tennessee
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Document your hours worked and wages received, including any unpaid overtime
Attempt to resolve the issue internally with your employer or HR department
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division
The DOL will investigate and may recover back wages on your behalf
If preferred, consult with an employment attorney about filing a private lawsuit to recover unpaid wages plus liquidated damages
Important Tennessee Consideration
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, which simplifies paycheck calculations. In 2022, voters approved a constitutional amendment enshrining right-to-work protections, meaning employees cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. Tennessee also requires employers to provide a 30-minute unpaid meal break for employees working six or more consecutive hours.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.