North Carolina minimum wage
Minimum wage in North Carolina, in effect since July 24, 2009
$7.25 an hour
That is $0.00 above the federal minimum of $7.25. Employers in North Carolina pay the higher state rate.
Next increase: none announced as of October 9, 2026.
Tipped employees
Employers in North Carolina can pay tipped employees a cash wage of $2.13 an hour, taking a tip credit of up to $5.12, as long as tips bring the employee to at least $7.25 for every hour worked. If they don't, the employer makes up the difference.
Exceptions and details
- State rate matches the federal $7.25. Agricultural and domestic employees are subject to the federal minimum wage.
- Tip credit requires advance notice, employees keeping all tips, and monthly or per-pay-period tip certification.
Common questions
- What is the minimum wage in North Carolina?
- $7.25 an hour, in effect since July 24, 2009.
- What is the tipped minimum wage in North Carolina?
- $2.13 an hour in cash wages, provided tips bring the employee up to $7.25 an hour.
- When does the North Carolina minimum wage go up?
- No increase had been announced as of October 9, 2026.
Running payroll in North Carolina?
Recent changes
Last verified against the official source on October 9, 2026.
No changes recorded since we started tracking this page.
Sources
- North Carolina Department of Labor · data as of July 24, 2009 · last checked October 9, 2026
We copy figures from official sources and re-check them against the source before every update. See our methodology. This is general information, not legal advice.