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North Carolina Minimum Wage
As listed by the U.S. Department of Labor on 07/01/2026.
- Minimum wage (federal)
- $7.25/hr
- State rate at or below $7.25
- Yearly at 40 hours a week
- $15,080
- 52 weeks
- North Carolina median wage
- $23.06/hr
- BLS, May 2025
- Minimum as share of median
- 31%
Basic minimum rates
Hourly rate and who it applies to
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| Applies to | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Covered employers | $7.25 |
Lowest paying jobs in North Carolina
Median hourly wage, occupations with at least 100 jobs
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| Occupation | Employment | Median wage | Mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | 14,120 | $26,680 | $27,560 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 81,980 | $27,190 | $27,080 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | 4,850 | $27,310 | $29,100 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 11,230 | $27,560 | $27,690 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | 15,160 | $28,320 | $28,120 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 92,230 | $28,570 | $29,050 |
| Cashiers | 106,440 | $28,880 | $29,390 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | 2,000 | $29,000 | $29,940 |
| Childcare Workers | 12,550 | $29,140 | $30,940 |
| Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials | 550 | $29,300 | $30,470 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | 7,530 | $29,900 | $31,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | 4,670 | $30,160 | $31,450 |
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the minimum wage in North Carolina?
- North Carolina has a state rate at or below the federal minimum, so most employers must pay the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.
- How much is the North Carolina minimum wage per year?
- At $7.25 an hour, 40 hours a week for 52 weeks comes to $15,080 before taxes.