Greensboro, NC Hotels & Lodging: Hotel Living Wage (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- NCGS 95-25.1
- Minimum Wage
- $7.25 federal floor
- Tipped Base
- $2.13 with tip credit
- Local Authority
- None over wages
Summary
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.
§ 95-25.1. Short title and legislative purpose; local governments preempted.
(a) This Article shall be known and may be cited as the "Wage and Hour Act."
(b) The public policy of this State is declared as follows: The wage levels of employees, hours of labor, payment of earned wages, and the well-being of minors are subjects of concern requiring legislation to promote the general welfare of the people of the State without jeopardizing the competitive position of North Carolina business and industry. The General Assembly declares that the general welfare of the State requires the enactment of this law under the police power of the State.
(d) The provisions of this Article supersede and preempt any ordinance, regulation, resolution, or policy adopted or imposed by a unit of local government or other political subdivision of the State that regulates or imposes any requirement upon an employer pertaining to compensation of employees, such as the wage levels of employees, hours of labor, payment of earned wages, benefits, leave, or well-being of minors in the workforce. This subsection shall not apply to any of the following:
(1) A local government regulating, compensating, or controlling its own employees.
(2) Economic development incentives awarded under Chapter 143B of the General Statutes.
(3) Economic development incentives awarded under Article 1 of Chapter 158 of the General Statutes.
(4) A requirement of federal community development block grants.
(5) Programs established under G.S. 160D-1311.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no Greensboro hotel living wage?
What is the minimum wage for a Greensboro housekeeper?
Sources & Official References
- [1]NCGS 95-25.1
Other rules in Greensboro
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