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Pay and your rights

Minimum wage in North Carolina

The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25.

Find better-paid workIf you are paid less

At a glance

$7.25highest basic rate per hour in the state table
$15,080a year at that rate, full time (40 hours × 52 weeks), before tax
$7.25federal minimum per hour
Yesstate overtime: after 40 hours a week (45 in seasonal amusement or recreation)

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division — State Minimum Wage Laws (updated 2026-07-01), checked 2026-10-20.

Local (city or county) minimum wages, and lower rates for minors, students or trainees, are not in the Department of Labor table, so they are not shown here.

If you are paid less than the minimum

  1. Write down your hours and pay

    Keep pay stubs and a simple log of the days and hours you worked.

  2. Contact your state labor office

    Find your state labor office — U.S. Department of Labor

  3. Or file a complaint with the federal Wage and Hour Division

    How to file a complaint · phone 1-866-487-9243. The Department of Labor says complaints are confidential.

Earn more than the minimum

Real openings in North Carolina from employers' official job boards and USAJOBS:

All jobs in North Carolina

Step-by-step paths to more income Unemployment benefits in North Carolina

General information, not legal advice. Rates change: the Department of Labor table and your state labor office are the final word.