North Carolina Minimum Wage 2026: $7.25/hr
Last updated: 2026-06-02 — Source: North Carolina Department of Labor
In North Carolina, the minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, effective 2009-07-24. North Carolina sets its own minimum wage, and a tip credit is allowed: the tipped cash wage is $2.13 per hour, with tips expected to bring total pay to at least the full minimum wage. Overtime is paid at 1.5× the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek. This reflects a state overtime law.
Quick answer
North Carolina's minimum wage is $7.25/hr in 2026 — the same as the federal $7.25 minimum , ranked #42 of 51 US jurisdictions. The tipped cash wage is $2.13/hr.
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Tipped Wage
$2.13
per hour (cash wage)
Effective Date
2009-07-24
How North Carolina compares
State vs Federal
$0.00
Same as the federal $7.25 minimum
State Rate
$7.25
per hour
National Rank
#42
of 51 jurisdictions
Ranked by 2026 effective minimum wage across all 51 U.S. states and jurisdictions. Federal comparison source: U.S. Department of Labor.
North Carolina Overtime Rules
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.