Key Takeaways
• New Hampshire’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009, matching the federal rate.
• Tipped employees earn $3.27 per hour plus tips; minors under 18 can be paid $6.00 per hour.
• Neighboring states have higher wages; NH relies on federal law with no state minimum wage increase planned.
As of July 6, 2025, New Hampshire’s minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, matching the federal minimum wage. This rate has not changed since 2009, making New Hampshire one of the few states in the region to stick with the federal standard. While many neighboring states have raised their minimum wages to address rising living costs, New Hampshire has chosen not to set its own higher rate. This decision has important effects on workers, employers, and the state’s economy.
New Hampshire’s Minimum Wage in 2025: What You Need to Know
Who is affected? Every worker and employer in New Hampshire is touched by the state’s minimum wage policy. The law covers most hourly workers, with special rules for tipped employees and minors.
What is the rate? The minimum wage is $7.25 per hour for most workers. This is the same as the federal minimum wage, which is set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
When did this rate take effect? The $7.25 rate has been in place since July 24, 2009, and there are no plans to change it in 2025.
Where does this apply? The rate applies across New Hampshire, from the largest cities to the smallest towns.
Why is this important? Minimum wage laws set the lowest legal pay for workers. They affect take-home pay, business costs, and the overall economy.
How does it work? Employers must pay at least $7.25 per hour to most workers, with some exceptions for tipped employees, minors, and certain job types.
Let’s take a closer look at how New Hampshire’s minimum wage works in practice, how it compares to other states, and what it means for different groups.
Detailed Breakdown: Minimum Wage Rules in New Hampshire
Here’s a simple breakdown of the minimum wage rules in New Hampshire for 2025:
| Category | Wage Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Minimum Wage | $7.25 per hour | Matches the federal minimum wage; unchanged since 2009. |
| Tipped Employees Minimum Wage | $3.27 per hour | 45% of standard minimum wage. Employers must ensure tips + wage = at least $7.25 per hour. |
| Youth Minimum Wage (under 18) | $6.00 per hour | Legal sub-minimum wage for minors until they turn 18. |
| Exceptions | Varies | Some workers (like farm laborers, household workers, outside sales reps, newspaper carriers, and golf caddies) may be exempt from minimum wage laws. |
Key Points:
– Standard minimum wage: All non-exempt workers must be paid at least $7.25 per hour.
– Tipped employees: Workers who earn tips (like servers) can be paid $3.27 per hour by their employer, but their total pay (wages plus tips) must reach at least $7.25 per hour. If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
– Youth wage: Workers under 18 can be paid $6.00 per hour until their 18th birthday.
– Exceptions: Some jobs are not covered by minimum wage laws. These include certain farm jobs, household work, outside sales, newspaper delivery, and golf caddying.
For more details on federal minimum wage rules, you can visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.
How New Hampshire Compares to Neighboring States
New Hampshire’s approach to the minimum wage stands out in New England. While other states in the region have raised their minimum wages, New Hampshire has kept its rate at the federal minimum.
Minimum Wage Rates in Neighboring States (2025):
– Massachusetts: $15.00 per hour
– Rhode Island: $15.00 per hour
– Maine: $14.65 per hour
– Vermont: $14.01 per hour
This means that workers in New Hampshire earn much less per hour than those just across the border. For example, a worker in Massachusetts earns more than double the minimum wage of a worker in New Hampshire.
Why does this matter?
– Workers: Many workers in New Hampshire may feel left behind as their neighbors earn higher wages.
– Employers: Businesses near state borders may struggle to keep workers, as employees might cross into neighboring states for better pay.
– Economy: The wage gap can affect where people choose to work and live, and it can shape the local economy.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this difference creates real challenges for both workers and employers in New Hampshire, especially in border towns where competition for labor is strong.
Why Hasn’t New Hampshire Raised Its Minimum Wage?
Unlike many states, New Hampshire has not passed its own minimum wage law. Instead, it relies on the federal minimum wage set by the FLSA. This means any change in the minimum wage in New Hampshire depends on action at the federal level.
Reasons for this approach include:
– Political choices: Lawmakers in New Hampshire have not agreed on raising the minimum wage.
– Business concerns: Some business groups worry that higher wages could increase costs and hurt small businesses.
– No automatic adjustments: New Hampshire does not tie its minimum wage to inflation or the cost of living, unlike some other states.
What does this mean for workers?
– The minimum wage has not kept up with the rising cost of living.
– Since 2009, the value of $7.25 per hour has dropped by about 30% due to inflation.
– Many workers earning minimum wage struggle to afford basic needs like housing, food, and transportation.
The Impact on Workers and Employers
For Workers
- Low pay: Minimum wage workers in New Hampshire earn much less than the state’s average hourly wage, which is about $33.08.
- Cost of living: Prices for rent, groceries, and other essentials have gone up, but the minimum wage has stayed the same.
- Tipped workers: Servers and other tipped employees must rely on tips to reach the minimum wage. If tips are low, employers must make up the difference, but this can be hard to track.
- Young workers: Teens under 18 can be paid $6.00 per hour, making it even harder for them to save money or help their families.
For Employers
- Wage competition: Businesses near the borders with Massachusetts, Maine, or Vermont may need to pay more than the minimum wage to keep workers from leaving for higher-paying jobs in other states.
- Labor shortages: Some employers have trouble finding and keeping workers, especially in industries like restaurants and retail.
- Compliance: Employers must carefully track wages and tips to make sure they follow the law. Mistakes can lead to fines or lawsuits.
For the State Economy
- Spending power: When workers earn more, they can spend more in the local economy. Low wages can limit this effect.
- Migration: Workers may move to neighboring states for better pay, which can affect the local workforce and tax base.
- Business climate: Some businesses support keeping the minimum wage low to control costs, while others say higher wages help attract better workers.
Stakeholder Perspectives
State Government
As of mid-2025, there have been no new laws or proposals to raise the minimum wage in New Hampshire. Lawmakers have debated the issue, but no changes have been made. The state continues to follow the federal minimum wage.
Business Community
Some businesses, especially those near state borders, feel pressure to raise wages to compete with neighboring states. Others worry that higher wages could hurt profits or force them to cut jobs.
Labor Advocates
Unions and worker groups continue to push for a higher minimum wage in New Hampshire. They argue that $7.25 per hour is not enough to live on, especially as prices rise. So far, these efforts have not led to new laws.
Federal Government
The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour. If Congress raises the federal minimum wage, New Hampshire’s rate would automatically go up as well.
Special Rules and Exceptions
Not every worker in New Hampshire is covered by the minimum wage law. Some jobs are exempt, meaning employers do not have to pay the minimum wage for these roles.
Common exemptions include:
– Household workers: People who work in private homes, like nannies or housekeepers.
– Farm laborers: Some agricultural jobs are not covered by minimum wage laws.
– Outside sales representatives: Workers who spend most of their time away from the employer’s place of business making sales.
– Newspaper carriers: People who deliver newspapers.
– Golf caddies: Young people who carry golf bags at golf courses.
Employers should check with the New Hampshire Department of Labor for details on exemptions and compliance.
Tipped Employees: How the Law Works
Tipped employees, such as restaurant servers, have a different minimum wage. In New Hampshire, employers can pay tipped workers $3.27 per hour. However, the law requires that tips plus wages must add up to at least $7.25 per hour.
If tips are not enough, the employer must pay the difference.
Example:
– A server works 10 hours and earns $20 in tips.
– The employer pays $3.27 per hour x 10 hours = $32.70.
– Total pay (wages + tips) = $32.70 + $20 = $52.70.
– Required minimum pay = $7.25 x 10 hours = $72.50.
– The employer must pay an extra $19.80 to reach the minimum wage.
Employers must keep careful records to make sure tipped workers are paid fairly.
Youth Minimum Wage: What Parents and Teens Should Know
Workers under 18 can be paid a lower minimum wage of $6.00 per hour in New Hampshire. This rule is meant to help young people find jobs, but it also means they earn less than adults for the same work.
Important points:
– Once a worker turns 18, they must be paid at least $7.25 per hour.
– Some jobs for minors may have additional rules for hours and working conditions.
No Automatic Increases: What This Means for the Future
Unlike some states, New Hampshire does not have a law that raises the minimum wage automatically based on inflation or the cost of living. This means the minimum wage will stay at $7.25 per hour until the federal government raises it or the state passes a new law.
What could change the minimum wage in New Hampshire?
– Federal action: If Congress raises the federal minimum wage, New Hampshire’s rate would go up automatically.
– State legislation: Lawmakers in New Hampshire could pass a law to set a higher minimum wage, but there are no current proposals.
What Should Workers and Employers Do?
For Workers:
– Know your rights. You must be paid at least $7.25 per hour unless you are in an exempt job.
– If you are a tipped worker, make sure your total pay (wages plus tips) is at least $7.25 per hour.
– If you are under 18, you can be paid $6.00 per hour, but this changes when you turn 18.
– If you think you are not being paid fairly, contact the U.S. Department of Labor or the New Hampshire Department of Labor.
For Employers:
– Review your pay practices to make sure you meet minimum wage laws.
– Keep good records for all employees, especially tipped workers.
– Check for any exemptions that may apply to your business.
– Stay informed about possible changes to the minimum wage at the state or federal level.
The Bigger Picture: Minimum Wage and Immigration
Minimum wage laws are important for immigrants who work in New Hampshire. Many immigrants work in jobs that pay at or near the minimum wage, especially in restaurants, hotels, and farms. The low minimum wage can make it hard for immigrant families to afford basic needs or send money home.
Key points for immigrants:
– You have the same rights as other workers to be paid at least the minimum wage.
– Employers cannot pay you less because of your immigration status.
– If you have questions or concerns, you can get help from government agencies or worker advocacy groups.
Looking Ahead: Will New Hampshire Raise Its Minimum Wage?
As of July 2025, there are no plans to raise the minimum wage in New Hampshire. The state’s rate will stay at $7.25 per hour unless the federal government acts or state lawmakers pass a new law. Economic pressures, rising costs, and differences with neighboring states may lead to more debate in the future.
For now, workers and employers should follow the current rules and stay alert for any changes.
Where to Find More Information
For official information on minimum wage laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Minimum Wage page.
You can also contact the New Hampshire Department of Labor for state-specific questions.
In summary: New Hampshire’s minimum wage in 2025 is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum wage and unchanged since 2009. Tipped employees earn $3.27 per hour plus tips, and minors under 18 can be paid $6.00 per hour. The state does not have its own minimum wage law and relies on federal standards. This creates challenges for workers, especially compared to neighboring states with much higher minimum wages. Both workers and employers should know their rights and responsibilities and keep up with any changes in the law.
Learn Today
Minimum Wage → The lowest legal hourly pay employees must receive from employers under labor laws.
Tipped Employees → Workers who earn tips; employers can pay them a lower base wage plus tips to meet minimum wage.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) → Federal law that sets minimum wage, overtime, and labor standards across the United States.
Exempt Employees → Workers who are not covered by minimum wage laws, such as some farm workers or sales reps.
Inflation → The rate at which general prices for goods and services rise, decreasing purchasing power of wages.
This Article in a Nutshell
New Hampshire’s minimum wage remains $7.25, tied to federal standards since 2009. Tipped workers earn $3.27 hourly plus tips. Youth under 18 have a $6.00 wage. Compared to neighbors, NH wages are much lower, affecting workers and businesses amid rising living costs and no planned increases yet.
— By VisaVerge.com
