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Labor Unions

State minimum wage

As 2026 began, North Carolina’s minimum wage remained at the federal floor of $7.25 per hour. Budget analysts note NC workers are not among millions nationwide gaining from state wage increases, and the General Assembly has been reluctant to raise or index the wage despite repeated proposals.

Should North Carolina raise its minimum wage above the federal $7.25 level?

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Sources

NC Budget & Tax Center — https://ncbudget.org/5-things-to-know-about-north-carolinas-economy-as-2026-begins
The result is that as 2026 begins, NC workers won’t be among the 8.3 million nationwide benefiting from their states’ actions to raise the minimum wage, which will remain at $7.25 per hour (the federal allowable minimum) in NC.
NC Budget & Tax Center — https://ncbudget.org/5-things-to-know-about-north-carolinas-economy-as-2026-begins
The NC General Assembly has failed to direct their attention to eroding wages, only reluctantly taking action on boosting wages for state and local workers, even as some lawmakers consistently introduce legislation to raise the minimum wage and index it to inflation.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Raise the minimum wage substantially and index it to inflation for all workers
  2. Phase in a higher state minimum wage with some small-business adjustments
  3. Study wage impacts and consider modest increases only if economic data support them
  4. Keep the state at the federal $7.25 minimum and avoid a higher state mandate
  5. Oppose state wage floors and reduce labor mandates to maximize business flexibility