By state
North Carolina Minimum Wage & Labor Laws (2026)
In 2026, the North Carolina minimum wage is $7.25/hour. Overtime is 1.5× the regular rate over 40 hours a week. Below are the wage, overtime, final-paycheck and break rules, plus a calculator pre-set to North Carolina.
North Carolina wage & hour rate sheet
2026 rules, sourced to the U.S. DOL and the state labor department
$7.25/hr
minimum wage
- Overtime
- 1.5x the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. North Carolina follows the federal FLSA weekly rule.
- Tipped pay
- $2.13/hr cash. Employers may take a tip credit; cash wage plus tips must reach $7.25/hr.
- Final paycheck
- Fired: Next regular payday. Quit: Next regular payday.
- Meal & rest breaks
- Meal: No state requirement for adults (follows federal). Rest: No state requirement (none mandated).
North Carolina pay & overtime calculator
Pre-set to North Carolina. Enter your rate and hours.
Your hours
Your pay this week
OT $30.00/hrGross pay
$950.00
before taxes and deductions
Regular40 hrs × $20.00$800.00
Overtime (1.50×)5 hrs × $30.00$150.00
Total gross$950.00
North Carolina follows the FLSA weekly rule: 1.5× the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek.
North Carolina figures are current for 2026 and compiled from the U.S. Department of Labor and North Carolina's labor department. Cities and counties may set higher local minimums, and industry rules vary, so confirm with your state labor department before relying on this for payroll or a legal decision.