Labor Rights in North Carolina
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 hour |
| Overtime | 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek (federal FLSA baseline; no daily overtime requirement) |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate |
| Paid family and medical leave | No state program |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement beyond federal |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement beyond federal |
| Right-to-work law | Yes |
| At-will employment | public policy |
| Final paycheck | Due 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.
- Tennessee$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- Georgia$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- South Carolina$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
Compare all 50 states and DC side by side
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.