NCNorth Carolina pay rules
Minimum wage $7.25. Overtime after 40 hours in a week. If you are fired, your last check is due by the next regular payday.
North Carolina minimum wage$7.25 now
North Carolina overtime lawsWeekly overtime after 40 hours
North Carolina final paycheck lawFired: next regular payday
North Carolina PTO payout lawPayout required by law
| Rule | North Carolina | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $7.25 an hour since July 24, 2009. No change planned. Statewide federal rate. Seasonal amusement and recreation employers owe overtime after 45 hours. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Cash pay if you get tips | At least $2.13 an hour. Tips may make up the rest, up to $5.12. A tip credit is allowed only if the employer gets a signed certification of tips received each pay period or month. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Overtime | 1.5x after 40 hours in a work week. No daily overtime. | N.C.G.S. 95-25.4checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if fired | Next regular payday | N.C.G.S. 95-25.7checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if you quit | Next regular payday | N.C.G.S. 95-25.7checked October 29, 2026 |
| If the last check is late | Wage and Hour Act: unpaid wages plus an extra penalty payment if you file a wage complaint. The employer must notify the worker in writing of any rule that unused time is lost. | N.C.G.S. 95-25.7checked October 29, 2026 |
| Unused vacation when you leave | Must be paid out. Earned but unused vacation must be paid when you leave the job unless the written policy has a clear rule that unused time is lost that was given to the employee in advance. | N.C.G.S. 95-25.12, 95-25.13checked October 29, 2026 |
| Meal break | No state meal period requirement for adults. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Rest break | No state rest period requirement. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
These rules cover the whole state. Cities and industries with their own rules are noted in the table. Checked October 29, 2026. Next check: January 1, 2027.