The North Carolina minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage that employers are legally allowed to pay their employees. The minimum wage is set by the state government and is reviewed every two years. In 2025, the North Carolina minimum wage is $12.00 per hour.
The minimum wage is an important tool for ensuring that all workers are paid a fair wage. It helps to reduce poverty and inequality, and it can also boost the economy by increasing consumer spending. However, some businesses argue that raising the minimum wage can lead to job losses. Research suggests that this is not the case, and that a higher minimum wage can actually lead to job creation.