Current Minimum Wage in North Carolina
The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour as of 2026. This is $0 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $7.25 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $58 | 8 |
| Weekly | $290 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $580 | 80 |
| Monthly | $1,257 | ~173 |
| Annual | $15,080 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in North Carolina can be paid a cash wage of $2.13/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $7.25/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
No scheduled increases. Matches federal rate.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $20 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (NC)
~$16.13/hr
Based on cost of living index (94.9)
Cost of Living Context
North Carolina's cost of living index is 94.9 (national average = 100). This means living in North Carolina is 5.1% cheaper than the national average. The median hourly wage in North Carolina is $20.45/hr, which is 182% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
Matches federal minimum wage. No state-level increases planned despite growing economy.
How This Compares
| Metric | NC | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $2.13 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $15,080 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
North Carolina Average Salary
Median income and top employers in NC
North Carolina Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in NC
Salary Calculator
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Paycheck Calculator
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