Greensboro cannot set a hotel-specific living wage because North Carolina state law NCGS 95-25.1 preempts local minimum wages. Hotels follow the federal floor of 7.25 dollars per hour, and tipped workers can be paid 2.13 dollars with tip credit.
North Carolina General Statute 95-25.1 sets the state minimum wage at the federal level of 7.25 dollars per hour and specifically preempts cities and counties from adopting higher local minimums for private employers. That means Greensboro cannot copy living-wage ordinances seen in cities like Los Angeles or Seattle. Hotel housekeepers, front-desk staff, and food-service workers in Greensboro are paid under federal and state wage law. Tipped employees can receive a base of 2.13 dollars per hour as long as tips bring total pay above 7.25 dollars. Some Greensboro hotels voluntarily pay above market.
Wage violations are enforced by the US Department of Labor and the NC Department of Labor with back-pay orders, and Greensboro itself has no authority to enact a higher hotel minimum wage.
See how Greensboro's hotel living wage rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.