New Hampshire HR laws for employers (2026)
The New Hampshire rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
New Hampshire employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies) |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $3.27 per hour |
| Overtime | No daily overtime; 1.5x after 40 hours per week. |
| Final pay when fired | Within 72 hours of discharge. |
| Final pay when an employee quits | By the next regular payday; within 72 hours if the employee gave at least one pay period's notice. |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Depends on employer policy: vacation offered as a policy or practice counts as wages when due, but a written no-payout policy that employees were notified of is generally enforced. Verify |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate. |
| Meal breaks | 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours, unless the employee can feasibly eat while working and the employer allows it. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: State law ties the minimum wage to the federal rate, so $7.25/hour applies. No increase scheduled for 2027.
Verify means we could not confirm that item from an official New Hampshire or US Department of Labor source, so check it with the state before relying on it.
Other New Hampshire rules to know
- Voluntary state Paid Family and Medical Leave plan (NH PFML) employers can buy into: 60% of average weekly pay for up to 6 weeks per year.
- Unused compensatory time must be paid out at termination for any reason.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in New Hampshire in 2026?
$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies), effective July 24, 2009. State law ties the minimum wage to the federal rate, so $7.25/hour applies. No increase scheduled for 2027.
When is a final paycheck due in New Hampshire?
If the employer ends employment: Within 72 hours of discharge. If the employee quits: By the next regular payday; within 72 hours if the employee gave at least one pay period's notice.
Does New Hampshire require paying out unused vacation?
Depends on employer policy: vacation offered as a policy or practice counts as wages when due, but a written no-payout policy that employees were notified of is generally enforced.
Is paid sick leave required in New Hampshire?
No statewide mandate.
Sources
HR laws in other states
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.