North Carolina Minimum Wage Calculator 2026
North Carolina minimum wage: $7.25/hr (tipped: $2.13/hr). Calculate annual salary, monthly income, and take-home pay at minimum wage.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
This calculator computes annual, monthly, and weekly earnings at North Carolina's minimum wage of $7.25/hr. For tipped employees, the base rate is $2.13/hr. The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr — North Carolina follows the federal rate. Calculations assume no overtime and consistent hours.
Key State Information
North Carolina minimum wage: $7.25/hr. Tipped rate: $2.13/hr. North Carolina allows a tip credit, meaning employers can pay tipped employees $2.13/hr as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $7.25/hr. North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina in 2026?
North Carolina's minimum wage is $7.25/hr as of 2026. For tipped employees, the minimum is $2.13/hr. Working 40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year, this equals approximately $15,080 gross annual income.
Is North Carolina's minimum wage going up?
Many states have scheduled annual minimum wage increases tied to inflation (CPI). Check North Carolina's Department of Labor for upcoming rate changes. Several states are gradually increasing toward $15/hr.
Can you live on minimum wage in North Carolina?
North Carolina's cost of living index is 95.1 (100 = national average). At $7.25/hr full time, you'd earn about $15,080/year before taxes. This would be challenging but slightly more manageable than in high-cost states.