Minimum wage in North Carolina in 2026
The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 an hour in 2026, the same as the federal minimum wage. No increase is scheduled. North Carolina follows the federal rate, which has been $7.25 since July 24, 2009.
Checked against official sources.
North Carolina minimum wage at a glance
- An hour
- $7.25
- A week, 40 hours
- $290.00
- A year, 2,080 hours
- $15,080
- Tipped cash wage
- $2.13before tips
In effect since . A year means 40 hours a week for 52 weeks, before taxes.
Tipped workers
Employers in North Carolina can pay tipped workers as little as $2.13 an hour in cash and count up to $5.12 an hour in tips toward the $7.25 minimum wage. If tips do not make up the difference, the employer must. Employers must have workers certify their tips.
Who gets a different rate
- Certain full-time students. 90% of the minimum wage
North Carolina minimum wage by year
| Year | Rate on January 1 |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $7.25 |
| 2023 | $7.25 |
| 2024 | $7.25 |
| 2025 | $7.25 |
| 2026 | $7.25 |
North Carolina law uses $6.15 or the federal rate, whichever is higher.
Common questions
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina in 2026?
The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 an hour in 2026, the same as the federal minimum wage. No increase is scheduled. North Carolina follows the federal rate, which has been $7.25 since July 24, 2009.
How much is minimum wage a year in North Carolina?
At $7.25 an hour, a full-time worker on 40 hours a week earns $290.00 a week and $15,080 a year before taxes.
What is the minimum wage for tipped workers in North Carolina?
Employers in North Carolina can pay tipped workers as little as $2.13 an hour in cash and count up to $5.12 an hour in tips toward the $7.25 minimum wage. If tips do not make up the difference, the employer must. Employers must have workers certify their tips.
When does the minimum wage go up in North Carolina?
No increase is scheduled. North Carolina follows the federal rate, which has been $7.25 since July 24, 2009. North Carolina law uses $6.15 or the federal rate, whichever is higher.
Is there a different minimum wage for some workers in North Carolina?
Certain full-time students: (90% of the minimum wage).
Minimum wage in other Southern states
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the official pages below. Checked .
- Minimum Wage in N.C., N.C. Department of Labor
- State Minimum Wage Laws, U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, updated
- Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees, U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, updated
- Minimum Wage, U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
Laws change. If your pay is below these rates, contact your state labor department or the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-487-9243.