Tennessee onboarding checklist for employers
An onboarding checklist makes sure every new hire gets the same paperwork, notices and training. Here is what changes when the employee works in Tennessee.
Tennessee rules that affect this form
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies) |
|---|---|
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate for private employers. Verify |
| Meal breaks | 30-minute unpaid meal break for employees scheduled to work 6 consecutive hours; it cannot be in the first hour. Tipped food and beverage workers may waive it voluntarily. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
| Other rules to know | From July 1, 2026, non-competes are void for employees earning under $70,000 a year, and a restriction of 2 years or less is presumed reasonable (HB 1034). Verify |
What to include
- Form I-9 completed by the end of the employee's third day of work
- Federal W-4 and the state withholding form, if the state has one
- Report the new hire to the state new-hire registry
- Required state and federal workplace posters and written notices
- Paid sick leave, break and overtime rules explained in plain terms
- Handbook acknowledgment signed and filed
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an official Tennessee onboarding checklist form?
Tennessee does not publish one required onboarding checklist for private employers. Use a clear template and make sure it reflects the Tennessee rules on this page.
What is the minimum wage in Tennessee in 2026?
$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies), effective July 24, 2009. Tennessee has no state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum of $7.25/hour applies. No scheduled increase.
Is paid sick leave required in Tennessee?
No statewide mandate for private employers.
Other Tennessee forms
Onboarding Checklist by state
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.