North Carolina Minimum Wage 2026
The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour in 2026. This is the federal floor.
North Carolina minimum-wage earnings calculator
Gross (before tax) earnings at the North Carolina minimum wage. Monthly and annual figures assume you work the same hours every week for 52 weeks. Federal and state income tax, Social Security and Medicare are not deducted.
Note North Carolina's minimum wage is $7.25/hr, matching the federal rate. Tipped cash wage is $2.13.
North Carolina minimum-wage earnings at $7.25/hr
| Hours / week | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20h | $145 | $628 | $7,540 |
| 30h | $218 | $943 | $11,310 |
| 40h (full time) | $290 | $1,257 | $15,080 |
Gross (before-tax) pay. Effective 2026; some cities set higher local minimums, and rates change — verify with the North Carolina labor department.
What North Carolina’s minimum wage means
- 01 At $7.25/hr, a full-time week of 40 hours pays $290.00 before tax.
- 02 Over a year of full-time work (2,080 hours) that is about $15,080 gross.
- 03 Your take-home pay is lower after federal and state income tax, Social Security and Medicare are withheld.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina in 2026?
The North Carolina minimum wage in 2026 is $7.25 per hour. That is the same as the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. North Carolina's minimum wage is $7.25/hr, matching the federal rate. Tipped cash wage is $2.13.
What is North Carolina's minimum wage per year?
Working full time (40 hours a week, 2,080 hours a year) at $7.25/hr earns about $15,080 a year before tax — roughly $1,257 a month or $290 a week.
Does North Carolina have its own minimum wage?
North Carolina's minimum wage is $7.25/hr, matching the federal rate. Tipped cash wage is $2.13.
What is the tipped minimum wage in North Carolina?
Tipped employees in North Carolina can be paid a cash wage of $2.13/hr, as long as tips bring their total to at least the $7.25/hr minimum. If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
Do cities in North Carolina have a higher minimum wage?
Possibly. Some cities and counties set local minimum wages above the state rate, and those local rates apply where they are higher. Always verify the rate for your specific city with the North Carolina labor department.
Is this North Carolina minimum wage calculator free?
Yes. It is completely free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser — nothing you type is uploaded anywhere.
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