# Labor Rights in North Carolina

[Labor rights by state](/labor-rights/)

North Carolina follows the federal floor on wages: $7.25 minimum wage and $2.13 tipped cash wage, with no state paid sick leave or paid family leave programs. It is a right-to-work state with a public policy exception to at-will employment, but courts do not recognize implied contracts from handbooks. Workers here rely almost entirely on federal protections plus whatever their employer voluntarily offers.

Data last verified 2026-10-12

## Workplace rights in North Carolina at a glance

  Minimum wage (2026)$7.25 (no state minimum wage law; federal rate applies)Tipped minimum wage (2026)$2.13 per hour cash wage (federal tip credit of up to $5.12 applies); tips plus cash wage must total at least $7.25 per hourOvertime1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek (federal FLSA baseline; no daily overtime requirement)Paid sick leaveNo statewide mandatePaid family and medical leaveNo state programMeal breaksNo state requirement beyond federalRest breaksNo state requirement beyond federalRight-to-work lawYesAt-will employmentpublic policyFinal paycheckDue on the next regular payday

## How North Carolina compares to federal law

North Carolina uses the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, with no higher state rate. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek. There is no state paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate, so the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (unpaid leave for eligible workers) is the only baseline.

## Neighboring states

- [**Virginia**$12.77 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/virginia/)
- [**Tennessee**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/tennessee/)
- [**Georgia**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/georgia/)
- [**South Carolina**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/south-carolina/)

[Compare all 50 states and DC side by side](/labor-rights/)

Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is North Carolina's minimum wage in 2026?

$7.25 per hour. North Carolina has no state minimum wage law, so the federal rate applies.

### Does North Carolina require paid sick leave?

No. There is no statewide paid sick leave mandate in North Carolina.

### Is North Carolina a right-to-work state?

Yes. Union membership and dues cannot be required as a condition of employment.

### When must I receive my final paycheck in North Carolina?

Your final wages are due on the next regularly scheduled payday.