Minimum Wage for NC (North Carolina) 2026
Last updated: · Source: North Carolina Department of Labor
North Carolina · Minimum Wage 2026
Effective 2009-07-24
Data last verified: 2026-07-09
Tipped Rate
$2.13/hr
Tip Credit
$5.12/hr
Exempt Salary
$684/wk
Effective Date
2009-07-24
North Carolina Wage Calculator
Minimum Wage for NC (North Carolina)
The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour in 2026, effective 2009-07-24. North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which has remained at $7.25/hr since 2009. Also searched as minimum wage for NC. See the federal minimum wage page for how the FLSA floor applies nationwide.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must pay the highest minimum wage that legally applies to a work location, whether set federally, by the state, or by a city or county ordinance.
North Carolina Tipped Minimum Wage
In North Carolina, tipped employees may be paid a direct cash wage of $2.13/hr. Employers may claim a tip credit of up to $5.12/hr, but the employee's total hourly earnings (direct wages + tips) must equal at least the full minimum wage of $7.25/hr. If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
| Component | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct cash wage | $2.13/hr | Minimum employer must pay directly |
| Tip credit | $5.12/hr | Maximum credit employer may claim |
| Total required | $7.25/hr | Wages + tips must reach this floor |
North Carolina Exempt Employee Salary Threshold (2026)
An "exempt" employee is a salaried worker who, by law, isn't entitled to overtime pay (time-and-a-half) for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. Whether a salaried employee actually qualifies as exempt depends on both their pay and their job duties. North Carolina follows the federal FLSA salary threshold. To qualify for the white-collar (executive, administrative, or professional) overtime exemption, salaried employees must earn at least $684/week ($35,568/year) in 2026.
North Carolina Minimum Wage History
The following table shows minimum wage rates in North Carolina over the past several years.
| Year | Minimum Wage | Effective Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $7.25/hr | 2009-07-24 | |
| 2009 | $7.25/hr | 2009-07-24 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour in 2026, effective 2009-07-24. Tipped employees may be paid $2.13 per hour provided tips bring total earnings to at least $7.25/hr.
North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr with no scheduled increase.
In North Carolina, tipped employees must be paid at least $2.13 per hour directly. Employers may claim a tip credit of up to $5.12/hr, but total compensation including tips must reach $7.25/hr.
North Carolina follows the federal FLSA salary threshold. Salaried exempt employees must earn at least $684/week ($35,568/year) to qualify for the white-collar overtime exemption in 2026.
North Carolina preempts local minimum wage laws.
The minimum wage for NC (North Carolina) is $7.25 per hour in 2026.