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Minimum Wage in North Carolina

North Carolina's minimum wage follows the federal rate of $7.25 per hour, and tipped employees may be paid a cash wage of $2.13 if the employer meets the tip credit rules.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

North Carolina at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$7.25
State law sets the higher of $6.15 or the federal minimum wage.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$2.13
Tip credit only if employees are told in advance, keep their tips, and tips are certified monthly or each pay period.
Next scheduled increase
None scheduled
The rate changes only if the federal minimum wage changes.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in North Carolina

What is the minimum wage in North Carolina in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in North Carolina: $7.25. State law sets the higher of $6.15 or the federal minimum wage.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in North Carolina?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in North Carolina: $2.13. Tip credit only if employees are told in advance, keep their tips, and tips are certified monthly or each pay period.

When is the next minimum wage increase in North Carolina?

Next scheduled increase in North Carolina: None scheduled. The rate changes only if the federal minimum wage changes.

Where do the North Carolina minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from N.C. Gen. Stat. 95-25.3. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.