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What is the minimum wage in North Carolina?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

North Carolina's minimum wage is set by the NC Wage and Hour Act, N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 95-25.1 to 95-25.25.

1. Current Rate

  • $7.25/hour (G.S. § 95-25.3) — unchanged since the federal rate took effect July 24, 2009.

    • 2. Tipped Employees

    Tipped employees receiving more than $20/month in tips may be paid a cash wage of $2.13/hour, provided tips bring them to $7.25 (G.S. § 95-25.3(f)). Tips must be retained by the employee or pooled only among tipped employees. Tip credit must be claimed in writing, and the employer must keep tip records.

    3. Local Preemption

    G.S. § 95-25.1(b) and § 153A-449 prevent NC counties and municipalities from setting higher minimum wages for private employers. Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville cannot enact local minimums.

    4. Overtime (G.S. § 95-25.4)

  • 1.5x after 40 hours/week (general rule).
  • Seasonal recreational/amusement employees: OT after 45 hours.
  • No state daily overtime.

    • 5. Youth Wage

    Federal youth wage of $4.25/hour applies to workers under 20 for the first 90 consecutive calendar days.

    6. Exemptions (G.S. § 95-25.14)

    NC mostly mirrors federal FLSA exemptions:

  • Executive, administrative, professional, outside sales.
  • Agricultural workers.
  • Domestic service in private homes.
  • Models, actors, performers.
  • Drivers, drivers' helpers, loaders subject to Motor Carrier Act.
  • Volunteers in public agencies.

    • 7. Wage Payment Requirements

    NC has stricter wage payment rules even though the minimum is at the federal floor:

  • Wages must be paid on regular paydays (G.S. § 95-25.6).
  • Final wages due by next regular payday (G.S. § 95-25.7).
  • Bonus, commission, vacation pay must be paid as promised (G.S. § 95-25.7).

    • 8. Enforcement & Remedies

    NC Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Bureau enforces. Workers may bring private actions under G.S. § 95-25.22:

  • Unpaid wages.
  • Liquidated damages equal to unpaid wages (double damages total).
  • Attorney's fees and court costs.
  • 2-year statute of limitations (3 years if willful).

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your final paycheck was withheld past the next regular payday
    • Your employer took a tip credit without written notice
    • You want to recover double damages and attorney's fees under § 95-25.22
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.3
    • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.4
    • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.6
    • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.7
    • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.22

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.