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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in North Carolina

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$7.25

What is the minimum wage in North Carolina?

Minimum wage North Carolina: The minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour. Employers in North Carolina are required to pay their employees for all hours worked, and overtime for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. 

If an employee is not paid the North Carolina minimum wage, they can file a claim with the Department of Labor. The Department of Labor will investigate the claim and, if they find that the employer has violated the law, they can order the employer to pay the employee back wages.

Industries such as healthcare, technology, and finance typically offer higher wages, while sectors like retail and food service may have lower average hourly rates that are closer to the North Carolina minimum wage. It's important to note that wage rates are subject to change and can be influenced by economic conditions, legislative decisions, and market demands.

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$28.71

What is the average wage in North Carolina?

The average wage in North Carolina is $28.71 per hour. This wage is calculated using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average wage is higher than the minimum wage, but many workers in North Carolina earn less than the average wage.

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$31.06

What is the living wage in North Carolina?

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$7.25

What is the minimum wage in Charlotte, North Carolina?

The minimum wage in Charlotte, North Carolina is $7.25 per hour. This is the same as the federal minimum wage, as North Carolina has not enacted a state minimum wage that is higher than the federal level.

A guide to hourly labor laws in North Carolina

  • Final Paychecks: By the next regular payday after termination or resignation (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.7).
  • Wage Payment Frequency: Wages should be paid regularly, at least monthly (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.6).
  • Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: No paid leave laws. Up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for eligible employees (FMLA).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16: No working during required school hours. Up to three hours per school day and 18 hours per school week. Up to eight hours per non-school day and 40 hours per non-school week. Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extending to 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day (NC DoL) (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.5).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17: No working during required school hours. High school students may not work between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. before a school day; exceptions may apply (NC DoL) (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.5) (DoL) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area. Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:


  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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