North Carolina · Checked October 25, 2026
North Carolina minimum wage, overtime and final paycheck rules
The North Carolina minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, the federal rate. Next: no increase scheduled.
Minimum wage
North Carolina: $7.25 an hour.
No change is scheduled as of October 25, 2026.
Tipped employees
Lowest cash wage before tips: $2.13. Tips plus the cash wage must reach at least the full minimum wage each workweek, or the employer makes up the difference.
Overtime
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek, the federal rule. North Carolina does not add a daily overtime rule.
Final paycheck
| Fired or laid off | Next scheduled payday |
|---|---|
| Quits | Next scheduled payday |
| Law | N.C. Gen. Stat. 95-25.7 |
Take-home pay in North Carolina
See what a paycheck looks like after federal and North Carolina taxes with the North Carolina paycheck calculator.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table (July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- Final pay: Nolo, Final Paycheck Laws by State (statute citations listed per state)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina?
$7.25 an hour as of October 25, 2026.
Is the North Carolina minimum wage going up in 2027?
No increase is scheduled as of October 25, 2026.
When is a final paycheck due in North Carolina?
If fired or laid off: next scheduled payday. If the employee quits: next scheduled payday.
These are summaries of state law for general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can set higher minimums, and special rules cover minors, trainees, farm work and some industries. Check with the state labor department before you make a pay decision.