SingleMothers.us
Flexible jobs for single mothers in Tennessee
Tennessee follows federal pay rules, so its child care help and Voluntary Pre-K make the biggest difference to the hours you can work.
Pay in Tennessee
Tennessee has no state minimum wage law, so employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act pay the federal $7.25 an hour, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee also has no state law on fringe benefits such as vacation or sick pay.
Leave for parents
Family leave
Tennessee has no state paid family leave program. The Tennessee Paid Family Leave Insurance Act of 2023 lets insurers sell family leave policies that employers may offer, so ask an employer whether it has one. Eligible employees can also use the federal Family and Medical Leave Act for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave.
Sick leave
The Department of Labor and Workforce Development says there is no Tennessee law regulating fringe benefits such as sick pay, so paid sick days depend on the employer.
Help with child care
Child Care Payment Assistance, run by the Department of Human Services, helps families pay for child care so parents can work, study or train. Under the Smart Steps rules it covers children from 6 weeks old through kindergarten, for parents working or in school 30 hours a week or more, with household income at or below 85 percent of the state median. Families pay a co-pay. You apply through the One DHS Customer Portal.
Voluntary Pre-K
Voluntary Pre-K gives priority to children who are 4 by August 15 and whose family income qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals. Classrooms run at least 6 hours a day, with at least 5.5 hours of instruction. Apply through your school district’s pre-K coordinator.
Tax credits
Tennessee has no state earned income credit, and its last tax on investment income was repealed from 2021. The federal Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit are the ones to claim: our support page explains both.
Getting into work
Tennessee’s American Job Centers offer free workshops, training and help with the Jobs4TN.gov job board. Insurance producers are licensed by the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Pharmacy technicians register with the Board of Pharmacy.
Questions about working in Tennessee
What is the minimum wage in Tennessee?
$7.25 an hour. Tennessee has no state minimum wage law, so employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act pay the federal minimum.
How many hours do I need to work for child care help in Tennessee?
The Smart Steps rules for Child Care Payment Assistance ask parents to work or attend school for 30 hours a week or more, with household income at or below 85 percent of the state median. Families pay a co-pay.
Is there paid family leave in Tennessee?
There is no state program. A 2023 law lets insurers sell family leave policies that employers may choose to offer, so ask whether an employer has one.
Send us the hours you can keep
Send us your hours and your Tennessee ZIP code. We look for flexible roles near you, or remote roles open to Tennessee residents.