North Carolina Minimum Wage Calculator 2026

North Carolina sets its minimum wage at $7.25 an hour, the same as the federal floor, and the state does not adjust it for inflation or raise it on a schedule. Because the state and federal rates match, covered workers earn $7.25 whether their employer is governed by state law, the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, or both. Unlike states that index their wage upward each January, North Carolina's rate has held steady, so any future increase would require action by the General Assembly or a change to the federal minimum.

For tipped workers, North Carolina allows a tip credit: an employer can pay a cash wage as low as $2.13 an hour as long as the employee's tips bring total earnings up to at least $7.25. If tips fall short in a given week, the employer must make up the difference so the worker still clears the full minimum. The North Carolina Department of Labor enforces these rules. North Carolina law preempts local governments from setting their own higher minimum wage, so unlike some states, its cities cannot mandate a local floor above $7.25 for private employers.