Minimum Wage in North Carolina
The current North Carolina minimum wage, the tipped wage, scheduled increases and overtime rules, from the official source.
Short answer: North Carolina's minimum wage equals the federal minimum wage, currently $7.25 per hour (the state floor of $6.15 applies only if higher). Full-time students, learners and apprentices may be paid 90% of the rate. G.S. 95-25.3
| Minimum wage | North Carolina's minimum wage equals the federal minimum wage, currently $7.25 per hour (the state floor of $6.15 applies only if higher). Full-time students, learners and apprentices may be paid 90% of the rate. No state increase is scheduled; the state rate changes only if the federal rate changes. Source: G.S. 95-25.3 |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage | Employers may count tips toward the minimum wage only up to the federal tip-credit limit (federal tipped cash wage is $2.13 per hour), and only if the employee is told in advance, keeps all tips, and tips are properly recorded. Tip pooling among regularly tipped employees is allowed. Source: G.S. 95-25.3(f) |
| Overtime | Time and one-half the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Source: G.S. 95-25.4 |
Where to get help in North Carolina
More North Carolina employment law
- Final Paycheck Laws in North Carolina
- Meal and Rest Break Laws in North Carolina
- Wrongful Termination in North Carolina
- Non-Compete Agreements in North Carolina
- All North Carolina employment law rules
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina?
North Carolina's minimum wage equals the federal minimum wage, currently $7.25 per hour (the state floor of $6.15 applies only if higher). Full-time students, learners and apprentices may be paid 90% of the rate.
What is the tipped minimum wage in North Carolina?
Employers may count tips toward the minimum wage only up to the federal tip-credit limit (federal tipped cash wage is $2.13 per hour), and only if the employee is told in advance, keeps all tips, and tips are properly recorded. Tip pooling among regularly tipped employees is allowed.
What are the overtime rules in North Carolina?
Time and one-half the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.