North Carolina Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027
As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour, in effect since July 24, 2009. It is set by North Carolina Wage and Hour Act and administered by the North Carolina Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Bureau.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Rates and sources checked October 16, 2026 · Methodology & sources
Current rate (October 16, 2026)
$7.25
in effect since July 24, 2009
2027 rate
No change scheduled
As of October 16, 2026
Compared with federal $7.25
Same as federal
Federal and state rules both apply
North Carolina minimum wage in 2027
No change scheduled.
No 2027 change is scheduled in state law as of October 16, 2026. The state rate follows the federal minimum wage, which Congress has not changed since July 24, 2009.
The state rate is $7.25 and is not indexed.
What changed in North Carolina
The $7.25 rate has not changed during 2026 and, for most employers, has been in place since July 24, 2009.
North Carolina minimum wage pay calculator
Rate
Current: $7.25
- Weekly pay
- $290.00
- Monthly pay
- $1,256.67
- Yearly pay
- $15,080.00
- Overtime rate (1.5x)
- $10.88 per hour
Gross pay before taxes at $7.25 per hour in North Carolina, paid straight time for every hour you enter. Overtime rules differ by state and employee, so use the overtime calculator when you work more than 40 hours a week.
Working more than 40 hours? Try the overtime pay calculator. Paid for a holiday? Use the holiday pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina in 2026?
As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour for most adult, non-tipped employees. The $7.25 rate has not changed during 2026 and, for most employers, has been in place since July 24, 2009.
Will the North Carolina minimum wage go up in 2027?
No 2027 change is scheduled in state law as of October 16, 2026. The state rate follows the federal minimum wage, which Congress has not changed since July 24, 2009.
Does North Carolina have local minimum wages?
North Carolina's page is based on the statewide rate. Cities or counties may have their own rules where state law allows it, and employers must pay the highest rate that applies.
Sources for North Carolina
Sources checked October 16, 2026.