North Carolina Minimum Wage 2026: $7.25/hr

Last updated: June 2026 — Source: North Carolina Department of Labor

North Carolina has its own minimum wage law. The state rate of $7.25/hr applies to most covered employees.

Minimum Wage

$7.25

per hour

Tipped Wage

$2.13

per hour (cash wage)

Effective Date

2009-07-24

North Carolina Overtime Rules

Weekly overtime threshold 40 hours
State overtime law Yes — state law

North Carolina requires overtime at 1.5x for hours over 40 per week, matching FLSA.

Additional Information

North Carolina's minimum wage matches the federal rate. Tipped minimum cash wage is $2.13/hr.

Data sourced from official state labor department websites and the US Department of Labor (dol.gov). Last updated: June 2026. Calculator results are estimates for informational purposes only. For disputes involving unpaid wages or wrongful termination, consult a licensed employment attorney in your state.

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