Minimum Wage in North Carolina
State-specific overview · Employment Law
North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage with no state-specific increase.
How North Carolina treats Minimum Wage
North Carolina has not established its own minimum wage above the federal level, so employers must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The state applies the same rules as federal law regarding tipped employees and other wage categories. Any increase to North Carolina's minimum wage would require legislative action.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.