Minimum wage in North Carolina
North Carolina has no minimum wage above the federal level, so most workers are covered by the federal rate of $7.25 an hour. Full-time, that works out to $15,080 a year before taxes.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: dol.gov.
$7.25Minimum wage per hour
$2.13Tipped cash wage
$10.88Overtime rate (1.5×)
—No change scheduled
What the minimum wage pays in North Carolina
| Period | Before taxes | After taxes (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Hour | $7.25 | $6.65 |
| Week (40 hours) | $290 | $266 |
| Month | $1,257 | $1,153 |
| Year (2,080 hours) | $15,080 | $13,833 |
After-tax figures assume a single filer with the standard deduction, tax year 2026. Run your own numbers.
Overtime
Non-exempt workers earn at least 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek, which is $10.88 an hour at the North Carolina minimum.
How North Carolina compares with its neighbors
| State | Minimum wage | Next change |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $7.25 | — |
| Georgia | $7.25 | — |
| South Carolina | $7.25 | — |
| Tennessee | $7.25 | — |
| Virginia | $12.77 | $13.75 on January 1, 2027 |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the minimum wage in North Carolina?
- North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
- Is North Carolina's minimum wage going up?
- No increase is scheduled right now. Wagevane checks for announcements and updates this page automatically.
- What is the tipped minimum wage in North Carolina?
- Employers can pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.13 as long as tips bring total pay to at least $7.25 an hour.
- How much is minimum wage a year in North Carolina?
- About $15,080 before taxes for 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, or roughly $13,833 after federal and state taxes.