Statutory minimum wage in New Hampshire (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: New Hampshire sets its minimum hourly rate by reference to the federal minimum wage law under RSA 279:21, so the state rate equals the federal rate of $7.25 per hour. Tipped employees of restaurants, hotels and similar establishments have a lower base rate.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | $7.25 per hour [2] |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | At least 45% of the minimum wage ($3.27 per hour) for tipped employees of restaurants, hotels, motels, inns, cabins and ballrooms who receive more than $30 a month in tips. [3] |
| Overtime payEmployees | Time and a half for hours over 40 in a week. The state rule does not apply to employees of employers covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (federal rules apply) or of qualifying seasonal amusement or recreational businesses. [1] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | Workers aged 16 or under may be paid at least 75% of the minimum wage. People with less than six months' experience in an occupation: at least 75%, after the employer applies to the Labor Commissioner. [1] |
Notes
- RSA 279:21 provides that no employee may be paid less than the rate in the federal minimum wage law, as amended; the US Department of Labor notes that the state rate equals the federal rate when set below it.
- The state rate follows the federal rate; no scheduled change was found.
Sources
- New Hampshire General Court: RSA 279:21 Minimum Hourly Rate (Internet Archive snapshot of 28 September 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: State Minimum Wage Laws (page marked updated 1 July 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees, table revised 1 July 2026 (Internet Archive snapshot of 4 October 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| National statutory minimum wage | Yes (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Current adult minimum wage (gross) | $7.25 per hour (source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division) |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | A new employee under 20 years of age may be paid not less than $4.25 an hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with an employer. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
New Hampshire and neighbouring states
| State | National statutory minimum wage | Current adult minimum wage (gross) | Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | Next scheduled change | Amount from next change (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | Yes | $7.25 per hour | 16 and under: 75% of minimum wage | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Massachusetts | Yes | $15.00 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maine | Yes | $15.10 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1 January 2027 | $15.70 per hour |
| Vermont | Yes (state law) | $14.42 per hour | One rate; no age bands; students excluded | 1 January 2027 (annual adjustment) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in New Hampshire
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Violation: $100 fine up to 3/4 oz
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (45 mph on unimproved rural highway)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (youth operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (learning to drive, accompanied)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible fireworks, licensed sellers) · Minimum age to buy: 21 (18+ if on active duty)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives not named in the carry offence · Locking or one-handed knives: Not named in the carry offence
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed (18+)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Under 18 only · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.