Overtime for North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina (NC) Key Facts
Minimum Wage
$7.25
Overtime Rule
Weekly only (40 hrs/week)
Weekly Overtime Threshold
40 hours
Overtime Multiplier
1.5x regular rate
State Income Tax Rate
4.5%
How This Calculator Works in North Carolina
This overtime calculator applies North Carolina's specific overtime rules to estimate your total pay including overtime. Enter your hourly rate and total hours worked to see your regular pay, overtime pay, and gross total. It accounts for North Carolina's weekly 40-hour rule and the standard 1.5x overtime multiplier.
North Carolina Overview
North Carolina follows the federal weekly overtime standard of time-and-a-half after 40 hours. There are no state-specific overtime provisions. The state minimum wage is $7.25 per hour — North Carolina matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr. The Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) and Charlotte have seen rapid growth pushing local wages well above the minimum.
How North Carolina Compares
North Carolina's minimum wage of $7.25 matches the federal minimum of $7.25. Like most states, North Carolina relies on the federal 40-hour weekly threshold for overtime. Neighboring South Carolina has a minimum wage of $7.25 and uses only the weekly overtime standard.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $7.25/hr min wage | South Carolina follows the standard federal overtime rule of 1.5x after 40 hours per week. |
| Virginia | $12.41/hr min wage | Virginia follows the standard federal overtime rule of 1.5x after 40 hours per week. |
| Tennessee | $7.25/hr min wage | Tennessee follows the standard federal overtime rule of 1.5x after 40 hours per week. |
The federal overtime standard requires 1.5x pay after 40 hours per week. North Carolina's minimum wage of $7.25 matches the federal minimum of $7.25. Only a few states, including California and Alaska, mandate daily overtime in addition to the weekly threshold.
Tips for North Carolina Residents
- 1North Carolina's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Verify your base rate meets or exceeds this before calculating overtime — overtime pay is calculated on your regular rate, not the minimum.
- 2North Carolina follows the federal weekly overtime standard: time-and-a-half for every hour beyond 40 in a workweek. There is no daily overtime trigger, so long individual shifts do not generate overtime unless your weekly total exceeds 40.
- 3Overtime pay in North Carolina is subject to the state income tax (top rate 4.5%) plus federal taxes. Your effective overtime rate after taxes will be less than the gross 1.5x figure — budget accordingly.
- 4Track your hours meticulously. Under the FLSA, employers must pay overtime for all qualifying hours regardless of whether the overtime was pre-approved. Keep your own records as a backup.
- 5Salaried employees are not automatically exempt from overtime. To be exempt, you must meet specific duties tests and earn above the salary threshold. If you are classified as exempt but believe you should qualify, consult North Carolina's department of labor.
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