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North Carolina minimum wage in 2026
Minimum wage in North Carolina
$7.25
an hour · federal rate · $15,080 a year full time · about $13,833 after taxes
| Per week (40 hours) | $290.00 |
| Every two weeks | $580.00 |
| Per month | $1,256.67 |
| Per year | $15,080 |
North Carolina has no state minimum wage above the federal one. The federal rate applies to employers covered by federal law. Some cities and counties set a higher minimum. Updated November 15, 2026.
Minimum wage in North Carolina after taxes
A full-time minimum wage worker in North Carolina earns $15,080 a year. As a single filer, none of it goes to federal income tax, because it is below the $16,100 standard deduction, $1,154 to Social Security and Medicare, and $93 to North Carolina income tax. That leaves $13,833, or $6.65 for each hour worked.
| Hours per week | Per week | Per year | Per year after taxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | $72.50 | $3,770 | $3,482 |
| 15 | $108.75 | $5,655 | $5,222 |
| 20 | $145.00 | $7,540 | $6,963 |
| 25 | $181.25 | $9,425 | $8,704 |
| 30 | $217.50 | $11,310 | $10,445 |
| 35 | $253.75 | $13,195 | $12,168 |
| 40 | $290.00 | $15,080 | $13,833 |
How North Carolina compares
North Carolina's minimum wage ranks 32nd highest of the 50 states and DC. The highest is District of Columbia, at $18.40. 30 states and DC set their own rate above the federal $7.25; the rest use the federal rate.
| State | Minimum wage | Full-time year | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $7.25 | $15,080 | — |
| Georgia | $7.25 | $15,080 | same |
| South Carolina | $7.25 | $15,080 | same |
| Tennessee | $7.25 | $15,080 | same |
| Virginia | $12.77 | $26,562 | +$5.52 |
Overtime at minimum wage
Under federal law, most hourly workers must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a week. At North Carolina's minimum wage that is $10.88 for each overtime hour. Five overtime hours a week add $2,828 a year before taxes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina in 2026?
North Carolina has no state minimum wage above the federal one, so the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour applies to covered employers.
How much is minimum wage a year in North Carolina?
Working 40 hours a week for 52 weeks, $7.25 an hour is $15,080 a year before taxes and about $13,833 after taxes for a single filer.
How much is a minimum wage paycheck in North Carolina?
A full-time worker paid every two weeks earns $580.00 before taxes and takes home about $532.05.
Is North Carolina's minimum wage higher than the federal minimum?
No. The federal minimum of $7.25 an hour is the one that applies.
More North Carolina tools
North Carolina taxes and pay: overviewNorth Carolina paycheck calculatorNorth Carolina income tax calculator$15 an hour$20 an hour$25 an hour$30 an hour$50,000 a year$75,000 a year$100,000 a year
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor: state minimum wage rates (in effect September 30, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor: overtime pay
- How after-tax figures are calculated
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