Minimum wage lookup - 2026

Select a state to see the current minimum wage, tipped rate, and annual earnings

State

Minimum wage

Tipped worker rate

Annual earnings (FT)

40 hrs/wk, 52 weeks

Wage details

State

Standard minimum wage

Tipped minimum wage

Youth / training wage

vs. Federal minimum ($7.25)

Last updated

Scheduled increase

Weekly earnings (40 hrs)

gross, before taxes

Monthly earnings

gross, before taxes

Minimum wage rates are updated annually. Some cities and counties have local minimum wages higher than the state rate. Always verify current rates with your state labor department.

Minimum wage by state - all 50 states 2026

Click any state to see full details above

State	Min wage	Tipped rate	vs. Federal	Last change

North Carolina minimum wage - 2026

Official rates sourced from the North Carolina Department of Labor

$7.25/hr

Standard minimum wage

$2.13/hr

Tipped employee rate

No scheduled increase

Next scheduled increase

North Carolina minimum wage overview

North Carolina's minimum wage matches the federal rate of $7.25. North Carolina applies a tip credit. North Carolina prohibits local minimum wage ordinances above the state rate.

North Carolina law expressly preempts local minimum wage ordinances. Several North Carolina cities including Durham and Chapel Hill attempted to pass higher local minimum wages but were preempted by state law.

Governing law

North Carolina minimum wage is governed by North Carolina General Statutes NCGS 95-25.3 (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.3). This statute establishes the minimum hourly wage that North Carolina employers must pay covered employees.

The official authority for minimum wage enforcement in North Carolina is the North Carolina Department of Labor. For official rate verification or to report a minimum wage violation, contact the North Carolina Department of Labor directly.

What if my employer pays less than minimum wage?

If your employer is paying you less than the North Carolina minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, you have the right to file a wage claim with the North Carolina Department of Labor. You may be entitled to recover back wages plus penalties. Most states allow you to recover unpaid wages going back 2-3 years. You can also file a complaint with the federal U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division which enforces the federal minimum wage under the FLSA.

Data source: North Carolina Department of Labor and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.3. Last verified: Federal rate. Minimum wage rates can change - always verify the current rate with the North Carolina Department of Labor before making employment decisions.

Frequently asked questions - minimum wage 2026

What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?

The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour in 2026 - unchanged since 2009, making it the longest period without an increase in history. However, 30+ states have set their own minimum wages above the federal rate. If your state minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, your employer must pay the higher state rate.

Which state has the highest minimum wage in 2026?

Washington state leads at $16.66 per hour, followed by California at $16.50, Connecticut at $16.35, and New Jersey at $15.49. Several states also have scheduled increases built into law, meaning rates continue rising automatically each year tied to inflation indexes.

What is the minimum wage for tipped workers?

The federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13 per hour - but employers must make up the difference if tips do not bring the worker to at least $7.25/hour. Many states require higher tipped wages or require the full minimum wage for all workers regardless of tips. California, Washington, Minnesota, and several others require tipped workers to receive the full state minimum wage with no tip credit allowed.

Can cities have a higher minimum wage than the state?

Yes - many cities and counties set local minimum wages above the state rate. Notable examples include Seattle ($20.29/hr), San Francisco ($18.67/hr), New York City ($16.50/hr), Denver ($18.29/hr), and Chicago ($16.20/hr). If you work in one of these cities, the local rate applies. Always check both your state and local rates.