New Hampshire § 279-21 - Section 279:21 Minimum Hourly Rate.

Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 279-21 — Section 279:21 Minimum Hourly Rate., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 279-21. Section 279:21 Minimum Hourly Rate.

Unless otherwise provided by statute, no person, firm, or corporation shall employ any employee at an hourly rate lower than that set forth in the federal minimum wage law, as amended. Tipped employees of a restaurant, hotel, motel, inn or cabin, or ballroom who customarily and regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips directly from the customers will receive a base rate from the employer of not less than 45 percent of the applicable minimum wage. If an employee shows to the satisfaction of the commissioner that the actual amount of wages received at the end of each pay period did not equal the minimum wage for all hours worked, the employer shall pay the employee the difference to guarantee the applicable minimum wage. The limitations imposed hereby shall be subject to the following exceptions: Unless otherwise provided by statute, no person, firm, or corporation shall employ any employee at an hourly rate lower than that set forth in the federal minimum wage law, as amended. Tipped employees of a restaurant, cigar bar as defined in RSA 178:20-a, II, hotel, motel, inn or cabin, or ballroom who customarily and regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips directly from the customers will receive a base rate from the employer of not less than the minimum direct wage as set forth in the federal minimum wage law, as amended, but in no case less than $3.27 per hour. If such an employee shows to the satisfaction of the commissioner that the actual amount of wages received at the end of each pay period did not equal the minimum wage for all hours worked, the employer shall pay the employee the difference to guarantee the federal statutory minimum wage. The limitations imposed hereby shall be subject to the following exceptions: I. These limitations shall not apply to employees engaged in household labor, domestic labor, farm labor, nor to outside salesmen, nor to employees of summer camps for minors. II. These limitations shall not apply to employees engaged as newsboys, non-professional ski patrolmen or golf caddies. III. [Repealed.] IV. These limitations shall not apply to a person with less than 6 months' experience in an occupation; provided, however, such person shall not be paid less than 75 percent of applicable statutory minimum wage in an occupation, after application is filed by the employer with the labor commissioner within 10 days after hire. V. These limitations shall not apply to a person 16 years of age or under; provided, however, such person shall not be paid less than 75 percent of applicable statutory minimum wage rate and evidence of such person is kept on file by the employer. V-a. These limitations shall not apply to an employee of a ski area who exclusively performs welcoming and guest relation services at a ski area which are not essential to the functional operations of a ski area. VI, VII. [Repealed.] VIII. Those employees covered by the introductory paragraph of this section, with the following exceptions, shall, in addition to their regular compensation, be paid at the rate of time and one-half for all time worked in excess of 40 hours in any one week: (a) Any employee employed by an amusement, seasonal, or recreational establishment if: (1) It does not operate for more than 7 months in any calendar year; or (2) During the preceding calendar year, its average receipts for any 6 months of such year were not more than 33-1/3 percent of its average receipts for the other 6 months of such year. In order to meet the requirements of this subparagraph, the establishment in the previous year shall have received at least 75 percent of its income within 6 months. The 6 months, however, need not be 6 consecutive months. (b) Any employee of employers covered under the provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended (29 U.S.C. section 201, et seq.); provided however, employers that pay any delivery drivers or sales merchandisers an overtime rate of compensation for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in any one week shall not calculate such overtime rate of compensation by the fluctuating workweek method of overtime payment under 29 C.F.R. section 778.114.

Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 279-21

What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 279-21 cover?

Section 279-21 ("Section 279:21 Minimum Hourly Rate.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Hampshire § 279-21?

A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 279-21" (New Hampshire). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Hampshire law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.

How does New Hampshire § 279-21 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.