North Carolina · updated 2026-10
North Carolina Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
NCWHA (G.S. 95-25.4) requires time and a half after 40 hours, or 45 at seasonal amusement/recreation businesses. It effectively covers only employers not covered by the FLSA (G.S. 95-25.14); employers with $500K+ sales are referred to US DOL.
Federal FLSA rule. source
Meal break
Not required
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in North Carolina; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Rest breaks
Not required
North Carolina law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
North Carolina time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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North Carolina pay and break questions
When does overtime start in North Carolina?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. North Carolina has no separate state overtime law, so the federal FLSA rule applies. NCWHA (G.S. 95-25.4) requires time and a half after 40 hours, or 45 at seasonal amusement/recreation businesses. It effectively covers only employers not covered by the FLSA (G.S. 95-25.14); employers with $500K+ sales are referred to US DOL.
Are lunch breaks required in North Carolina?
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in North Carolina; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Are rest breaks required in North Carolina?
North Carolina law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina?
$7.25 an hour (since 2009-07-24). Tipped cash wage is $2.13.
Workers under 18 in North Carolina
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See North Carolina teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the North Carolina Department of Labor.