Key Takeaways
• North Carolina minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2025, unchanged since 2009.
• Tipped employees can be paid $2.13 per hour in cash but must total $7.25 per hour.
• Proposed House Bill 353 would raise minimum wage to $10 in 2026 and $18 by 2030.
If you’re working in North Carolina or planning to move there for work, it’s important to know exactly how the minimum wage works in this state. The rules affect not only your paycheck but also your rights as a worker or employer. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the minimum wage in North Carolina for 2025, including how it’s set, who it applies to, and what steps you should take to make sure you’re following the law.
Introduction: Why Understanding Minimum Wage in North Carolina Matters
The minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay that employers can legally give their workers. In North Carolina, the minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2025. This is the same as the federal minimum wage and has not changed since 2009. Knowing the rules about minimum wage helps workers make sure they’re paid fairly and helps employers avoid breaking the law.
Whether you’re a worker, an employer, or someone thinking about moving to North Carolina for a job, understanding the minimum wage is key. This guide will show you, step by step, how the minimum wage works in North Carolina, what special rules apply, and what to do if you have problems or questions.
Step 1: Know the Current Minimum Wage in North Carolina
Time estimate: 5 minutes
Before you do anything else, you need to know the basic rule:
- The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour.
- This rate has been the same since 2009.
- There are no counties or cities in North Carolina with a higher minimum wage—the rate is the same everywhere in the state.
Key facts:
– The minimum wage matches the federal minimum wage.
– There are no local (city or county) minimum wage laws in North Carolina.
– The minimum wage applies to most workers, but there are some exceptions (explained in later steps).
Common pitfall: Some people think certain cities or counties in North Carolina have higher minimum wages. This is not true—$7.25 per hour is the rule everywhere in the state.
Step 2: Understand Who the Minimum Wage Applies To
Time estimate: 10 minutes
Not every worker is covered by the minimum wage law. Here’s how to figure out if you are:
2.1 Covered Workers
Most workers in North Carolina must be paid at least $7.25 per hour. This includes:
– Full-time workers
– Part-time workers
– Temporary workers
– Seasonal workers
2.2 Exceptions
Some workers are not covered by the minimum wage law. These include:
– Certain farm workers
– Some student workers (in special programs)
– Workers with disabilities (in special programs)
– Some interns and trainees (if they meet certain rules)
– Independent contractors (not employees)
Tipped employees (like restaurant servers) have special rules, explained in Step 3.
Common pitfall: If you’re paid in cash or “off the books,” you still have the right to the minimum wage. Employers cannot avoid the law by paying cash.
Step 3: Learn the Rules for Tipped Employees
Time estimate: 10 minutes
If you work in a job where you get tips (like a waiter or bartender), the rules are a bit different.
- The tipped minimum wage in North Carolina is $2.13 per hour.
- Employers can pay you as little as $2.13 per hour in cash, but your total earnings (cash wage + tips) must add up to at least $7.25 per hour.
- If your tips plus cash wage do not reach $7.25 per hour, your employer must pay the difference.
Example:
– You work 10 hours and get $21.30 in cash wages ($2.13 x 10 hours).
– You make $40 in tips.
– Your total earnings are $61.30 for 10 hours, or $6.13 per hour.
– Your employer must pay you an extra $1.12 per hour ($7.25 – $6.13) to make sure you get at least $7.25 per hour.
Common pitfall: Some employers may not “top up” your pay if your tips are low. This is against the law. Always check your pay to make sure you’re getting at least $7.25 per hour.
Step 4: Calculate Your Expected Pay
Time estimate: 10 minutes
Knowing how to calculate your pay helps you spot mistakes and make sure you’re getting what you deserve.
4.1 For Non-Tipped Employees
- Hourly wage: $7.25 per hour (minimum)
- Full-time weekly pay: $7.25 x 40 hours = $290 per week (before taxes)
- Yearly pay (full-time): $7.25 x 40 hours x 52 weeks = $15,080 per year (before taxes)
4.2 For Tipped Employees
- Cash wage: $2.13 per hour (minimum)
- Total with tips: Must add up to at least $7.25 per hour
4.3 Overtime
- If you work more than 40 hours in a week, you must be paid 1.5 times your regular rate for overtime hours.
- For minimum wage workers, overtime pay is $10.88 per hour ($7.25 x 1.5).
Common pitfall: Some employers may not pay overtime correctly. Always check your pay stubs for overtime hours.
Step 5: Compare Minimum Wage to Living Costs
Time estimate: 10 minutes
It’s important to know how far the minimum wage goes in North Carolina.
- The living wage (the amount needed to cover basic needs) for a family of four in the lowest-cost counties is over $18.50 per hour.
- The current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour is much lower than the living wage.
- Many full-time minimum wage workers in North Carolina earn less than the federal poverty line.
Practical effect: If you earn minimum wage, you may struggle to pay for housing, food, and other basic needs, especially if you have a family.
Common pitfall: Don’t assume that minimum wage is enough to live on comfortably in North Carolina. Many workers need to work extra jobs or get help to make ends meet.
Step 6: Stay Updated on Legislative Changes
Time estimate: 10 minutes
Minimum wage laws can change, so it’s important to keep up with new rules.
6.1 Current Law
- As of July 2025, the minimum wage in North Carolina is still $7.25 per hour.
- There have been no increases since 2009.
6.2 Proposed Changes
- House Bill 353 (Fair Minimum Wage Act) has been introduced in the state legislature.
- This bill would raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour in 2026 and then gradually to $18 per hour by 2030.
- After 2030, the minimum wage would go up with inflation each year.
- As of mid-2025, this bill has not become law.
6.3 Other States
- Some nearby states, like Virginia, have raised their minimum wages above $7.25 per hour.
- North Carolina’s minimum wage is among the lowest in the region.
Common pitfall: Don’t rely on rumors about wage increases. Always check official sources for the latest updates.
Official resource: For the most current information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s minimum wage page.
Step 7: Know Your Rights and How to Report Problems
Time estimate: 10 minutes
If you think you’re not being paid the minimum wage, you have the right to speak up.
7.1 What to Do
- Talk to your employer: Sometimes pay mistakes are just errors.
- Keep records: Save your pay stubs, work schedules, and any notes about your hours and pay.
- File a complaint: If your employer refuses to pay you correctly, you can file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor.
7.2 How to File a Complaint
- North Carolina Department of Labor: Handles wage complaints for state law.
- U.S. Department of Labor: Handles complaints under federal law.
Common pitfall: Don’t wait too long to report problems. There are time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing complaints.
Step 8: Special Situations and Common Questions
Time estimate: 15 minutes
8.1 What if I’m Paid “Off the Books”?
- Even if you’re paid in cash, you still have the right to the minimum wage.
- Employers cannot avoid the law by paying cash or not reporting your work.
8.2 What About Young Workers or Students?
- Some student workers in special programs may be paid less, but most young workers must get at least $7.25 per hour.
8.3 What if I’m an Independent Contractor?
- Independent contractors are not covered by minimum wage laws.
- If you think you’ve been misclassified as a contractor when you’re really an employee, you can ask for help from the Department of Labor.
8.4 What if I Work Overtime?
- You must be paid 1.5 times your regular rate for hours over 40 in a week.
- For minimum wage workers, that’s $10.88 per hour for overtime.
8.5 What if My Employer Pays Me Less Than Minimum Wage?
- This is against the law.
- You can file a complaint and may be able to get back pay.
Troubleshooting tip: If you’re not sure about your situation, contact the North Carolina Department of Labor for help.
Step 9: Checklist Summary
Time estimate: 5 minutes
Use this checklist to make sure you’re following the rules about minimum wage in North Carolina:
- [ ] I know the minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour.
- [ ] I know that tipped employees must get at least $7.25 per hour (including tips).
- [ ] I keep records of my hours and pay.
- [ ] I check my pay stubs for mistakes or missing overtime.
- [ ] I know how to file a complaint if I’m not paid correctly.
- [ ] I stay updated on possible changes to the minimum wage law.
- [ ] I use official resources for the latest information.
Step 10: Where to Find More Help
Time estimate: 5 minutes
If you need more information or want to check the latest rules, use these resources:
- North Carolina Department of Labor: Official state resource for wage laws and complaints.
- U.S. Department of Labor Minimum Wage Page: Federal resource for minimum wage laws and updates.
- Local advocacy groups like the North Carolina Budget & Tax Center for analysis and updates on wage laws.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the minimum wage in North Carolina has not changed since 2009, and many workers and families continue to struggle to meet basic needs on the current wage. Legislative efforts to raise the minimum wage are ongoing, but as of mid-2025, no new laws have been passed.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
- Assuming local areas have higher minimum wages: In North Carolina, the minimum wage is the same everywhere—$7.25 per hour.
- Not checking pay stubs: Always check your pay for mistakes, especially if you work overtime or get tips.
- Not keeping records: Save your pay stubs and work schedules in case you need to prove what you’re owed.
- Waiting too long to file a complaint: There are time limits for getting back pay.
- Believing rumors about wage increases: Always check official government websites for the latest information.
Final Takeaways
- The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour in 2025, with no local or state increases since 2009.
- Tipped employees must get at least $7.25 per hour, including tips.
- Many workers earning minimum wage struggle to cover basic living costs.
- Legislative efforts to raise the minimum wage are under discussion, but no changes have been made yet.
- Always use official resources like the U.S. Department of Labor for the latest updates and to file complaints if needed.
By following these steps and using the checklist, you can make sure you’re paid fairly and know your rights under the law in North Carolina. If you’re an employer, these steps will help you stay in compliance and avoid costly mistakes. Stay informed, keep good records, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you have questions about the minimum wage or your pay.
Learn Today
Minimum Wage → The lowest legal hourly pay an employer must give workers.
Tipped Employees → Workers who earn tips; their cash wage can be lower but total must meet minimum wage.
Overtime → Payment for hours worked beyond 40 per week at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.
Independent Contractor → A worker not classified as an employee and not covered by minimum wage laws.
House Bill 353 → A proposed North Carolina law to raise the minimum wage gradually to $18 by 2030.
This Article in a Nutshell
North Carolina’s minimum wage remains $7.25 an hour in 2025, matching the federal rate. Tipped workers earn $2.13 plus tips. Legislative efforts aim to raise wages, but no changes are law yet. Workers must track pay and know rights for fair compensation and wage law compliance.
— By VisaVerge.com
