Employers in Tennessee must comply with these state rules regarding the timing and frequency of wage payments.
Tennessee employers of five or more employees are covered by the state's wage payment law.
Wages must be paid at least semimonthly. Payment of wages for the first half of the month must be made by the 5th of the next month, and payment of wages for the second half of month must be made by the 20th of the next month. More frequent payment is permitted.
Employees who are absent on payday must be paid within a reasonable time after making a demand.
Businesses, including private clubs, lounges, bars and restaurants, that include an automatic percentage or dollar amount considered as a service charge, tip, gratuity or otherwise intended for the employee or employees who serve customers, must pay that amount at the close of the business day on which the charge is collected or on the following payday.