New Hampshire’s minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour in 2026, unchanged since 2008. This rate matches the federal minimum wage and is the lowest in New England. Restaurant workers who receive tips earn a base rate of just $3.26 per hour under New Hampshire’s 45% tip credit rule.
If you work in New Hampshire, you need to know your rights under RSA 279, the state’s wage law. This guide covers current wage rates, overtime rules, tipped employee protections, exemptions, and how to file a complaint if your employer violates wage laws.
Calculate Your Earnings in New Hampshire
Want to know exactly how much you’ll earn at New Hampshire’s $7.25 minimum wage? Use our free calculator to estimate your weekly, monthly, and annual income based on your hours worked.
💰 Minimum Wage Earnings Calculator
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💰 Gross Earnings
Calculator features:
- Automatic New Hampshire wage rates for 2026
- Weekly, monthly, and annual earnings
- Overtime calculations
- Tax withholding estimates
- Take-home pay breakdown
Full calculator with all features: Calculate your NH minimum wage earnings
Questions about your wages or need legal help?
Email: [email protected]
What Is the Minimum Wage in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not have its own state minimum wage law. Instead, RSA 279 directs employers to follow the federal minimum wage, which stands at $7.25 per hour. This rate has not changed since September 1, 2008, making it 16 years without an increase.
The law states: "Unless otherwise provided by statute, no person, firm, or corporation shall employ any employee at an hourly rate lower than that set forth in the federal minimum wage law, as amended." This means if Congress raises the federal minimum wage, New Hampshire's rate automatically increases to match.
Current Wage Rates for 2026
New Hampshire workers earn these hourly rates under state law:
| Worker Type | Minimum Wage | Annual Salary (Full-Time) | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular employees | $7.25/hour | $15,080/year | $1,256.67 |
| Tipped employees (base) | $3.26/hour | $6,780.80/year | $565.07 |
| Overtime rate | $10.88/hour | Varies by hours | Varies |
Key fact: A full-time worker earning minimum wage in New Hampshire makes just $15,080 per year before taxes. This is well below the living wage needed for most New Hampshire communities.
Will New Hampshire Raise Minimum Wage in 2026?
No minimum wage increase is scheduled for 2026 in New Hampshire. The state legislature has rejected multiple bills to raise the wage over the past decade. Without state action or a federal increase, the rate will remain $7.25 per hour.
Legislative attempts:
- Multiple bills proposing $12-$15 minimum wage have failed
- Governor has vetoed wage increase proposals
- No active legislation for 2026 changes
- Rate depends entirely on federal action
New Hampshire vs. Neighboring States: The Wage Gap
New Hampshire's minimum wage creates the largest gap in New England. Workers just across state borders earn significantly more for the same work. This wage difference drives many New Hampshire residents to seek employment in Massachusetts or other nearby states.
Border State Comparison
| State | 2026 Minimum Wage | Difference from NH | Percentage Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $7.25/hour | Baseline | 0% |
| Massachusetts | $15.00/hour | +$7.75 | +107% |
| Vermont | $13.67/hour | +$6.42 | +89% |
| Maine | $14.15/hour | +$6.90 | +95% |
Economic impact: A worker in Massachusetts earns over double the hourly wage of a New Hampshire worker for identical work. This creates strong incentives for border commuting and workforce competition.
States with Lowest Minimum Wage
New Hampshire ties with four other states at the federal minimum:
- New Hampshire: $7.25
- Georgia: $7.25 (state law is $5.15, but federal applies)
- Wyoming: $7.25
- States with no state minimum wage law: 5 total
Compare this to high-wage states like California at $16.50 per hour, and the regional disparity becomes clear.
NH Tipped Minimum Wage: What Restaurant Workers Earn
Restaurant workers, servers, bartenders, and other tipped employees in New Hampshire earn a base rate of $3.26 per hour. This represents 45% of the standard minimum wage, one of the lower tipped wages in the country.
How the Tip Credit Works
RSA 279 allows employers to pay tipped workers less than minimum wage if certain conditions are met. The employee must regularly receive more than $30 per month in tips directly from customers.
Tip credit calculation:
- Standard minimum wage: $7.25/hour
- Employer pays (45%): $3.26/hour
- Tip credit (55%): $3.99/hour
- Tips must cover the remaining amount
Employer guarantee: If your tips plus base wage don't equal $7.25 per hour, your employer must pay the difference. This protection ensures tipped workers always earn at least minimum wage.
Who Qualifies as a Tipped Employee?
New Hampshire law defines tipped employees specifically. You qualify if you work in these establishments and regularly receive tips:
Covered establishments:
- Restaurants (including temporary and permanent)
- Hotels
- Motels
- Inns
- Cabins
Covered positions:
- Servers and waitstaff
- Bartenders
- Delivery drivers (if delivering restaurant meals)
- Other customer-facing positions receiving tips
Restaurant definition: The law requires establishments to primarily prepare and serve food with seating, table service, or delivery options. Fast food or establishments that don't primarily serve food don't qualify.
Tip Credit Protections
Your employer cannot simply pocket the difference between your base pay and minimum wage. New Hampshire law includes specific protections:
Your rights:
- Employers must make up wage shortfalls at each pay period
- You keep 100% of your tips
- Tips belong to the employee, not the employer
- Documentation required if tips fall short
If you believe your employer violated these rules, you can file a complaint with the New Hampshire Department of Labor. Many workers also find it helpful to understand their legal options for workplace disputes.
New Hampshire Overtime Laws
New Hampshire requires employers to pay time and a half (1.5x regular rate) for hours worked over 40 in a week. For minimum wage workers, the overtime rate is $10.88 per hour ($7.25 × 1.5).
RSA 279 establishes overtime requirements for most workers. However, New Hampshire includes several unique exemptions that differ from federal law.
Calculate Your Overtime Pay in New Hampshire
Working more than 40 hours per week? Calculate your overtime earnings based on New Hampshire's overtime laws. This calculator accounts for NH's specific overtime rules including seasonal worker exemptions.
⏰ Overtime Pay Calculator
Calculate your overtime earnings based on your state's specific labor laws
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⚖️ State vs Federal Comparison
Calculator features:
- New Hampshire-specific overtime rules
- Weekly overtime calculations
- Seasonal exemption considerations
- Pay period breakdowns
- Comparison with federal law
Full overtime calculator: Calculate your NH overtime pay
Questions about your wages or need legal help?
Email: [email protected]
Overtime Exemptions in New Hampshire
Not all workers qualify for overtime pay in New Hampshire. RSA 279 creates specific exemptions beyond federal law:
Seasonal and recreational establishments:
- Businesses operating 7 months or less per year
- Establishments with 33⅓% revenue variance between seasons
- Common in New Hampshire's tourism and ski industries
Federal coverage exemption:
- Employees already covered by FLSA overtime provisions
- Prevents double coverage under state and federal law
Example: A ski resort operating only during winter months may qualify for the seasonal exemption. Workers at these establishments may not receive overtime pay for hours over 40 per week.
Sunday and Holiday Overtime Rules
Quick Answer: New Hampshire does not require premium pay for Sunday or holiday work. Overtime only applies to hours over 40 per week, regardless of which day you work them.
Many workers believe Sunday work automatically earns time and a half. This is not true in New Hampshire. Your employer only owes overtime if your total weekly hours exceed 40, regardless of whether those hours fall on Sunday, Saturday, or a holiday.
Consecutive workdays: New Hampshire law does not limit consecutive days worked. Your employer can require you to work 7 days straight without triggering automatic overtime, as long as weekly hours stay under 40.
Understanding the Fair Labor Standards Act can help clarify your overtime rights. Learn more about missing the FLSA deadline and what it means for your claim.
Who Is Exempt from New Hampshire Minimum Wage?
RSA 279 exempts specific worker categories from minimum wage requirements. These exemptions reflect New Hampshire's unique economy and traditional employment relationships.
Complete List of Exemptions
Workers not covered by RSA 279:
- Household labor - Domestic work in private homes
- Domestic labor - Personal care and household services
- Farm labor - Agricultural workers and farmhands
- Outside sales representatives - Sales made outside the employer's place of business
- Summer camps for minors - Youth camp counselors and staff
- Newspaper carriers - Traditional paper delivery routes
- Non-professional ski patrol - Volunteer ski safety patrol (NH-specific)
- Golf caddies - Traditional caddie services at golf courses
Why these exemptions exist: Many represent traditional employment relationships or volunteer positions. The ski patrol exemption specifically reflects New Hampshire's significant winter sports industry.
Youth Employment Rules
Young workers under 18 face special requirements in New Hampshire, but they earn the same minimum wage as adults. There is no youth sub-minimum wage in the state.
Under 16 years old:
- Must obtain New Hampshire Youth Employment Certificate
- Employers must get certificate within 3 business days of hire
- Exceptions: Working for parents, grandparents, or guardian
- Exception: Casual or farm labor
Ages 16-17:
- Require written parental permission to work
- Parent or guardian must sign consent document
- Document must be on file before first day of work
- Exception: High school graduates or GED holders
Key difference: These requirements focus on consent and documentation, not wage rates. Young workers in New Hampshire earn the same $7.25 minimum wage as adults.
Why Is New Hampshire's Minimum Wage So Low?
New Hampshire has maintained the federal minimum wage without a state increase for over 16 years. This creates the lowest wage floor in New England and ties New Hampshire with just four other states at $7.25 per hour.
Political and Economic Factors
"Live Free or Die" philosophy: New Hampshire's political culture emphasizes free market principles and limited government intervention. This extends to wage policy, where many lawmakers argue the market should set wages without government mandates.
Legislative history:
- Multiple bills proposing $12-$15 minimum wage have failed since 2015
- Governor vetoes have blocked wage increase proposals
- Business groups oppose increases citing competitive concerns
- Labor advocates continue pushing for higher wages
Economic arguments for keeping low wage:
- Proponents claim it attracts businesses to New Hampshire
- Argue that higher wages would reduce employment
- Point to lack of state income tax as offsetting low wages
- Suggest workers can negotiate higher wages individually
Economic arguments against low wage:
- Workers cannot afford basic living expenses
- Creates workforce exodus to neighboring higher-wage states
- Forces workers onto public assistance programs
- Contributes to growing income inequality
The Living Wage Gap
MIT's Living Wage Calculator shows the stark difference between minimum wage and actual cost of living in New Hampshire:
| Household Type | Living Wage Needed | NH Minimum Wage | Annual Shortfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single adult | $17.34/hour | $7.25/hour | $21,067/year |
| Single parent, 1 child | $36.40/hour | $7.25/hour | $60,632/year |
| Two adults, 2 children | $23.89/hour (each) | $7.25/hour | $34,531/year (each) |
What this means: A single adult working full-time at minimum wage earns less than half the income needed to meet basic needs in New Hampshire. Families face even larger gaps.
New Hampshire Wage Theft: Your Rights and Recovery Options
Wage theft occurs when employers fail to pay workers their full earned wages. This includes unpaid minimum wage, stolen tips, unpaid overtime, or illegal deductions. New Hampshire law provides remedies for workers facing wage violations.
Calculate Your Wage Theft Recovery in New Hampshire
Think your employer owes you money? Use our wage theft calculator to estimate how much you could recover, including unpaid wages, penalties, and interest under New Hampshire law.
Wage Theft Recovery Calculator
Estimate how much you can recover in unpaid wages, penalties, and damages based on your state's laws
💵 Estimated Total Recovery
💰 Unpaid Wages
⚖️ Penalties & Damages
📋 Total Summary
Calculator features:
- Multiple violation types (unpaid wages, overtime, tips)
- New Hampshire-specific penalties and damages
- Filing deadline tracker
- Total recovery estimate
- Next steps guidance
Full wage theft calculator: Calculate your NH wage theft recovery
Need help with unpaid wages? Contact New Hampshire Department of Labor or consult with an employment attorney.
Email: [email protected]
Common Types of Wage Theft
Violations you may experience:
- Paying below minimum wage - Employer pays less than $7.25/hour
- Unpaid overtime - No time and a half for hours over 40/week
- Tip theft - Employer takes portion of your tips
- Tipped wage violations - Failing to make up difference to minimum wage
- Off-the-clock work - Requiring work before clocking in or after clocking out
- Illegal deductions - Taking money for uniforms, cash register shortages, or damages
How to File a Wage Complaint in New Hampshire
Step-by-step process:
- Document everything - Save pay stubs, timesheets, work schedules, and written communications
- Contact NH Department of Labor - File complaint with Wage and Hour Division
- Provide evidence - Submit all documentation of hours worked and wages paid
- Investigation - NH DOL investigates your claim and employer's records
- Resolution - May result in back pay order, penalties, or hearing
New Hampshire Department of Labor contact:
- Office: Concord, NH
- Phone: (603) 271-3176
- Address: P.O. Box 2076, Concord, NH 03302-2076
Filing Deadlines and Penalties
| Violation Type | Filing Deadline | Potential Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid minimum wage | 2 years (3 if willful) | Full back pay + damages |
| Unpaid overtime | 2 years (3 if willful) | Back pay + equal amount |
| Tip violations | 2 years (3 if willful) | Full tips + penalties |
| Recordkeeping violations | N/A | Employer penalties |
Important: Missing filing deadlines can forfeit your right to recovery. Act quickly if you suspect wage violations.
NH Employer Compliance Requirements
Employers in New Hampshire must follow specific requirements under RSA 279. These rules protect workers and create accountability for wage violations.
Wage Poster Requirements
Required posting: Every New Hampshire employer must display the official minimum wage poster in a conspicuous location where employees can easily see it. The poster must show current wage rates, overtime rules, and exemptions.
Poster contents:
- Current minimum wage ($7.25/hour)
- Tipped minimum wage ($3.26/hour)
- Overtime requirements
- Exemptions from wage law
- NH Department of Labor contact information
- Effective dates
Where to display: Common areas like break rooms, time clock areas, or employee entrances. The poster must be visible and accessible to all employees.
Download poster: Visit the New Hampshire Department of Labor website for the current official poster at nh.gov/labor.
Recordkeeping Obligations
RSA 279 requires employers to maintain accurate records for every employee. These records protect both workers and employers in wage disputes.
Required records:
- Hours worked each day and week
- Wages paid each pay period
- Employee classification (exempt/non-exempt)
- Tip income reported (for tipped employees)
- Deductions and withholdings
Retention period: While RSA 279 doesn't specify retention time, federal FLSA requires 3 years for payroll records. Employers should maintain records for at least this period.
Youth Employment Certificates
Employers hiring workers under 16 must obtain Youth Employment Certificates. This process protects young workers and ensures legal employment.
Certificate process:
- Employer requests certificate within 3 business days of hire
- Youth provides proof of age and parent/guardian information
- School district issues certificate (when applicable)
- Employer keeps certificate on file at worksite
Ages 16-17: Don't need certificate but require written parental permission on file before first day of work. Exception applies to high school graduates and GED holders.
New Hampshire Minimum Wage FAQs
What Is the NH Minimum Wage in 2026?
Quick Answer: New Hampshire's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2026, unchanged since 2008. This matches the federal minimum wage.
New Hampshire has no separate state minimum wage law. RSA 279 automatically adopts whatever federal minimum wage Congress sets. With no federal increase since 2009, New Hampshire's rate remains at $7.25.
Will NH Minimum Wage Increase in 2026?
Quick Answer: No minimum wage increase is scheduled for 2026 in New Hampshire. The rate will remain $7.25 unless Congress raises the federal minimum wage.
The state legislature has not passed any bills to create a state minimum wage higher than federal law. Multiple attempts have failed over the past decade. Without state or federal action, the wage stays at $7.25 per hour.
How Much Is Tipped Minimum Wage in New Hampshire?
Quick Answer: Tipped employees in New Hampshire earn a base rate of $3.26 per hour, which is 45% of the standard minimum wage.
This applies to restaurant servers, bartenders, and other workers who regularly receive more than $30 per month in tips. Employers must make up the difference if your tips don't bring you to $7.25 per hour total.
How Do I Calculate My Earnings at NH Minimum Wage?
Quick Answer: Use our minimum wage calculator to instantly calculate weekly, monthly, and annual earnings at New Hampshire's $7.25 rate.
A full-time worker (40 hours/week) earns $290 per week, $1,256.67 per month, or $15,080 per year before taxes at minimum wage. The calculator accounts for overtime if you work more than 40 hours weekly.
How Much Overtime Pay Am I Entitled to in New Hampshire?
Quick Answer: New Hampshire requires time and a half ($10.88/hour for minimum wage workers) for all hours over 40 in a workweek, with some exemptions.
Use our overtime calculator to calculate exact overtime pay. Seasonal establishments and some recreational businesses may qualify for exemptions under RSA 279.
How Do I Calculate Wage Theft Recovery in New Hampshire?
Quick Answer: Our wage theft calculator estimates potential recovery based on unpaid wages, penalties, and New Hampshire law.
You can recover unpaid minimum wages, unpaid overtime at 1.5x your rate, and potentially additional damages. File claims within 2 years (3 years if willful violation) with the NH Department of Labor.
What Is the 72-Hour Rule in NH?
Quick Answer: New Hampshire requires employers to pay all wages within 72 hours of termination if the employee requests it.
When you quit or are fired, your employer must pay all earned wages by the next regular payday. However, if you request payment sooner, state law requires payment within 72 hours of your request.
How Many Consecutive Days Can You Work in NH?
Quick Answer: New Hampshire has no limit on consecutive workdays. Your employer can require you to work 7 days straight without triggering automatic overtime.
Overtime only applies when you work more than 40 hours in a week, regardless of how many consecutive days. Unlike some states, New Hampshire doesn't require premium pay for the seventh consecutive workday.
Do You Legally Have to Take a 1-Hour Lunch Break in NH?
Quick Answer: New Hampshire law does not require employers to provide lunch breaks or rest breaks to employees 18 and older.
Federal law also doesn't mandate breaks. If your employer provides breaks, they must pay you for short breaks (typically 5-20 minutes). Meal breaks of 30 minutes or more can be unpaid if you're completely relieved of duties.
How Many Hours Is Full-Time in NH?
Quick Answer: New Hampshire law does not define full-time employment. Most employers consider 30-40 hours per week as full-time for benefits purposes.
Federal law defines full-time as 30+ hours per week for Affordable Care Act health insurance purposes. Your employer sets their own definition for other benefits like vacation time and sick leave.
What Is a Good Hourly Wage in NH?
Quick Answer: A living wage in New Hampshire ranges from $17.34/hour for a single adult to over $36/hour for single parents, far exceeding the $7.25 minimum wage.
"Good" depends on your circumstances and location. Costs vary significantly between rural areas and cities like Manchester or Portsmouth. Many entry-level jobs in New Hampshire now start at $12-15/hour due to market competition with higher-wage neighboring states.
Who Is Exempt from Minimum Wage in NH?
Quick Answer: RSA 279 exempts household labor, domestic workers, farm labor, outside sales representatives, summer camp workers, newspaper carriers, non-professional ski patrol, and golf caddies.
These exemptions reflect traditional employment relationships and volunteer positions. All other employees must receive at least $7.25 per hour under New Hampshire law.
Does NH Pay Time and a Half on Sundays?
Quick Answer: No. New Hampshire has no special Sunday premium pay requirement. Overtime only applies to hours over 40 per week, regardless of which day you work them.
Some private employers may offer Sunday premiums voluntarily, but state law doesn't require it. Check your employment contract or employee handbook for your employer's specific policies.
Understanding Your Rights Under New Hampshire Wage Laws
New Hampshire's minimum wage may be low, but the law still provides important protections. Workers have the right to receive at least $7.25 per hour, time and a half for overtime, and full tip amounts without employer theft.
If your employer violates wage laws, you can file a complaint with the New Hampshire Department of Labor. The agency investigates violations and can order employers to pay back wages plus penalties. You also have the option to consult with an employment attorney about your rights.
Key takeaways for workers:
- Minimum wage is $7.25/hour (tipped workers earn $3.26/hour base)
- Overtime pay applies after 40 hours per week
- Employers must keep accurate records
- You can file wage complaints within 2-3 years
- Youth workers need proper certificates and parental permission
Key takeaways for employers:
- Display required wage posters
- Maintain accurate payroll records
- Pay tipped workers correctly or make up shortfalls
- Process youth employment certificates within 3 business days
- Understand exemptions for seasonal businesses
New Hampshire's wage laws may lag behind neighboring states, but knowing your rights helps protect your earnings. Use the calculators and resources in this guide to ensure you receive every dollar you've earned.
Need legal help with wage violations?
Email: [email protected]
Related Resources:
- View minimum wage laws in all 50 states
- Compare wages with Florida minimum wage laws
- Learn about wage calculator tools and resources
