HOURLY WAGE INDEX
Let’s talk wages in New Hampshire
What is the minimum wage in New Hampshire?
The minimum wage in New Hampshire is $7.25 per hour. This is the same as the federal minimum wage. There are no state or local minimum wages that are higher than the federal minimum wage.
The minimum wage in New Hampshire has not been increased since 2009. This means that the minimum wage has lost purchasing power over time. In 2009, the minimum wage could buy about 10% more goods and services than it can today.
The low minimum wage in New Hampshire has a number of negative consequences. It makes it difficult for low-wage workers to make ends meet. It also contributes to poverty and inequality.
There have been calls to increase the minimum wage in New Hampshire. However, there is some opposition to increasing the minimum wage. Some businesses argue that increasing the minimum wage would lead to job losses.
The debate over the minimum wage is likely to continue in New Hampshire. However, the fact remains that the current minimum wage is not enough to support a family on its own. If the minimum wage is not increased, more and more families will struggle to make ends meet.
Here are some additional facts about the minimum wage in New Hampshire:
- The minimum wage was first established in New Hampshire in 1968.
- The minimum wage has been increased 13 times since it was first established.
- The minimum wage is not indexed to inflation, so it does not automatically increase each year with the cost of living.
- There are a number of exemptions to the minimum wage law, including tipped workers, student workers, and workers with disabilities.
The minimum wage is an important issue for many people in New Hampshire. It is a matter of fairness, economic security, and quality of life. The debate over the minimum wage is likely to continue for many years to come, but it is an issue that deserves our attention.
What is the average wage in New Hampshire?
The average wage in New Hampshire is $31.78 per hour, or $66,110 per year. This is significantly higher than the minimum wage, and reflects the fact that many workers in the state earn more than the minimum wage.
What is the living wage in New Hampshire?
A guide to hourly labor laws in New Hampshire
- Standard Minimum Wage: $7.25 (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 279:21) (29 US Code § 206).
- Tipped Minimum Wage: $3.27, or 45% of minimum wage, totaling at least minimum wage with tips (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 279:21).
- Overtime: Hours exceeding 40 in a fixed week are overtime, paid at 1.5 times the regular rate (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 279:21) (29 US Code § 207) (DoL).
- Meal Breaks: Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bona-fide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. § 785.19) (DoL). Employees working 5+ consecutive hours receive a 30-minute meal break unless the employee can eat while working (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 275:30-a).
- Rest Breaks: No state or federal law requires rest breaks. Breaks lasting 5–20 minutes must be paid (29 C.F.R. § 785.18).
- Wage Deductions: Only those required by law, such as taxes, and those authorized by the employee in writing. Third-party deductions benefitting the employer may not reduce wages below the applicable minimum (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 275:48). (29 C.F.R. § 4.168) (29 US Code § 203).
- Final Paychecks:
- Resignation: By the next regular payday or within 72 hours if proper notice is given.
- Termination: Within 72 hours, with exceptions. (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 275:44).
- Wage Payment Frequency: Biweekly (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 275:43).
- Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
- Paid Family and Medical Leave: No paid leave laws. Up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for eligible employees (FMLA).
- Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16: A Youth Employment Certificate is required for minors aged 12 to 15. No working during required school hours. Minors may work no more than six consecutive days. Up to three hours on school days and three hours during school weeks. Up to eight hours on non-school days and 48 hours during school vacations. Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extending until 9 p.m. between July 1 and Labor Day. Some exceptions may apply (NH DoL) (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 276-A:4 et seq.) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
- Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17: No working during required school hours. Minors may work no more than six consecutive days, 35 hours per school week, or 48 hours per vacation week (NH DoL) (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 276-A:4 et seq.) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area. Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:
- Short, easy to understand job descriptions
- Mobile-friendliness
- Quick communication
- Streamlined interview stages
Resources
Become a hiring and onboarding expert.
We're here to help!
A Workstream hiring specialist can help you identify high impact ways to improve your applicant experience, and even help you determine what is a good hourly wage for your location and business.