{"id":6717,"date":"2012-05-18T19:07:00","date_gmt":"2012-05-19T00:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=6717"},"modified":"2026-07-27T03:59:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T08:59:47","slug":"north-carolina-employment-law","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/north-carolina-employment-law\/","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina employment law overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-efae2095 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7fc3d43a wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8e1436f2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<p class=\"\">by <strong><strong>The<\/strong> <strong>Brightmine Editorial Team<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina has laws that provide greater protections to employees than federal law, including health care continuation coverage obligations for smaller employers and E-Verify and parental school involvement leave requirements, but generally follows federal law with respect to topics such as the minimum wage and occupational safety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Select North Carolina employment requirements are summarized below to help an employer understand the range of employment laws affecting the employer-employee relationship in the state. An employer must comply with federal, state, and local law. Where there is overlap, complying with the law that offers the greatest rights or benefits to the employee will generally apply.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"equal-employment-opportunity\">Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and worker protections&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina employers may be required to comply with requirements related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/eeo-protected-classes-by-state\/\">EEO<\/a> and worker protections. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fair-employment-practices\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Fair employment practices&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Under the Equal Employment Practices Act and the North Carolina Persons With Disabilities Protection Act, employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited from discriminating against and harassing individuals based on protected characteristics, such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Race;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Color;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">National origin;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Religion;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Age;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Sex (including pregnancy); and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Handicap or disability.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Other laws prohibiting discrimination on other factors may apply.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In addition, the Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (REDA) prohibits an employer from taking any punitive or adverse action against any employee for filing (or threatening to file) a complaint, initiating an investigation or proceeding, testifying or providing information to any person in connection with various state statutes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"equal-pay\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Equal pay&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have a standalone equal pay law applicable to private employers. However, the Equal Employment Practices Act makes it public policy to safeguard against discrimination, including pay discrimination, on the basis of various protected characteristics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-transparency\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay transparency &nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/pay-transparency\/u-s-pay-transparency-laws-by-state-and-locality\/\">pay transparency law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"salary-history-inquiry-restrictions\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Salary history inquiry restrictions&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not restrict an employer from inquiring into or relying upon an applicant&#8217;s salary history.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"employee-wage-disclosure-rights\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Employee wage disclosure rights&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have a wage disclosure law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pregnancy-accommodation\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pregnancy accommodation&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have requirements for private employers related to pregnancy accommodation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"breastfeeding-breaks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Breastfeeding breaks&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have requirements for private employers related to breastfeeding breaks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"access-to-personnel-files\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Access to personnel files&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina law does not require private employers to provide employees with access to their personnel files.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whistleblower-protections\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Whistleblower protections&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have a whistleblower law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"scheduling\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Scheduling&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/scheduling-laws-by-state-and-municipality\/\">scheduling law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Recruiting-and-Hiring\">Recruiting and hiring&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina employers may be required to comply with requirements related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/onboarding\/new-hire-paperwork-north-carolina\/\">recruiting and hiring<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"credit-checks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Credit checks&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have requirements for private employers related to credit checks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ban-the-box-and-fair-chance\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Ban the Box and Fair Chance&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/recruitment\/ban-the-box-laws-by-state\/\">ban-the-box<\/a> or fair chance law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"everify\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">E-Verify&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina law requires that employers with 25 or more employees use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/immigration\/immigration-form-i9-work-visas-federal\/\">E-Verify<\/a> to confirm the work authorization of new hires. Employers are not required to use E-Verify for individuals whose term of employment is fewer than nine months in a calendar year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Wage-and-Hour\">Wage and hour&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina employers may be required to comply with certain wage and hour requirements. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"minimum-wage\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Minimum wage&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-rates-by-state-and-municipality\/\">minimum wage<\/a> is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum wage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overtime\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Overtime&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina law generally requires an employer to pay covered employees <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/overtime\/overtime-variations-by-state\/\">overtime<\/a> at a rate of one and one-half times the regular rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"meal-and-rest-breaks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Meal and rest breaks&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employers must provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state\/\">rest periods<\/a> of at least 30 minutes to youths under 16 years of age who work for five or more consecutive hours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"child-labor\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Child labor&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/child-labor-working-hour-restrictions-by-state\/\">Child labor laws<\/a> in North Carolina restrict the occupations in which minors may be employed and the number of hours and times during which they may work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">All minors are prohibited from working in occupations declared to be hazardous by the US Department of Labor and the Commissioner of the North Carolina Department of Labor, as well as those enumerated in North Carolina law, including, but not limited to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Work involving the risk of falling a distance of 10 feet or more;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Work in confined spaces;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Welding, brazing and torch cutting;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Work involving exposure to lead, benzene, quartz, silicon dioxide or asbestos silicate;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Work as an electrician or electrician&#8217;s helper; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Preparing, serving, dispensing or selling alcoholic beverages.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors 13 years old or younger are prohibited from working for an employer, except that minors who are 12 or 13 years old may distribute newspapers outside of school hours for no more than three hours a day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">During the regular school term, no minor under 18 years of age who is enrolled in grade 12 or lower may work between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. before a school day. However, this prohibition may be waived under certain circumstances.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors who are 14 and 15 years of age may not work:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">During school hours;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. when school is not in session);&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More than three hours per day on school days, or eight hours on nonschool days; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More than 18 hours a week during school weeks, or 40 hours during nonschool weeks.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors under 16 years of age generally must receive at least a 30-minute rest break after working five consecutive hours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina requires minors to have a youth employment certificate to work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Certain occupations are exempt from the youth employment restrictions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Pay-and-Benefits\">Pay and benefits&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to employee pay and benefits. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wage-payment-methods\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Wage payment methods&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina law does not require employers to pay employees in any specific form. Employers may select any legal form of payment, so long as payment is made in full on the designated payday, subject to authorized deductions and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/employee-taxes\/north-carolina-withholding-tax-hr-guide\/\">legal withholdings<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer must comply with the distinct requirements of each method it chooses to use.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-frequency-and-lag-time\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay frequency and lag time&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Wage and Hour Act requires an employer to pay employees on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/pay-frequency-and-lag-time-requirements-by-state\/\">regular paydays<\/a>. Pay periods may be daily, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly or monthly. Wages based on bonuses, commissions or other forms of calculation may be paid as infrequently as annually if scheduled in advance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-deductions\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay deductions&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina law prohibits an employer from making <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/deductions\/pay-deduction-laws-by-state\/\">deductions from employees&#8217; wages<\/a> except in strictly limited circumstances, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">As required by state or federal law (e.g., child support and tax levies);&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">For the convenience of the employee (e.g., contributions to savings plans, union or club dues, and charitable contributions); and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">For cash or inventory shortages or loss or damage to the employer&#8217;s property.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Even where deductions are permissible, North Carolina law requires the employer to comply with numerous requirements that vary depending on the type of deduction, such as getting the employee&#8217;s written authorization or providing advance written notice to the employee of the amount to be withheld.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-statements\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay statements&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina employers are required to provide employees with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/pay-statement-rate-notification-requirements-by-state\/\">itemized written statement of deductions<\/a> made from their wages for each pay period in which deductions are made.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wage-theft\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Wage theft&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have a wage theft law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"health-care-continuation\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Health care continuation&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina&#8217;s health care continuation coverage law applies to fully insured plans, regardless of the size of the employer. Under the law, an employer must offer continuation of heath care coverage for up to 18 months to an employee and his or her covered dependents who lose coverage due to termination of employment or loss of eligibility under the plan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Continuation coverage does not have to include dental, vision, prescription drug or any other benefits provided under the group policy other than hospital, surgical or major medical benefits.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"temporary-disability-insurance\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Temporary disability insurance&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have requirements for private employers related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/total-rewards\/employee-benefits\/temporary-disability-insurance-requirements-by-state\/\">temporary disability insurance<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Time-Off-and-Leaves-of-Absence\">Time off and leaves of absence&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/leave-laws-by-state-chart\/#north-carolina-leave-laws\">time off and leaves of absence<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"family-and-medical-leave\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Family and medical leave&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/paid-family-leave-requirements-by-state\/\">family and medical leave law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"paid-sick-leave\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Paid sick leave&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/paid-sick-leave-by-state\/\">paid sick leave law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"other-time-off-requirements\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Other time off requirements&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina has laws related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/hr-guide-to-north-carolina-leave-laws\/\">time off and leaves of absence<\/a>, including but not limited to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Parental school involvement leave;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Emergency responder leave;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/jury-duty-leave-laws-by-state-and-municipality\/\">Jury duty leave<\/a>;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/total-rewards\/employee-wellbeing\/domestic-violence-sexual-assault-stalking-leave-and-accommodation-laws\/\">Domestic violence leave<\/a>;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Precinct official leave;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/military-leave-reminders\/\">Military leave<\/a>; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Civil Air Patrol leave.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Health-and-Safety\">Health and safety&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to employee health and safety. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"occupational-safety-and-health\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Occupational safety and health&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Most North Carolina employers must comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina, which generally adopts all federal rules and creates a limited number of state-specific standards. North Carolina law has some requirements that have no federal equivalent, such as those for safety committees and for safety and health programs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"drug-and-alcohol-testing\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Drug and alcohol testing&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Under North Carolina law, employers that require job applicants to submit to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/recruitment\/drug-testing-laws-by-state\/\">controlled substance examination<\/a> must comply with certain procedural requirements, such using an approved laboratory to conduct testing, confirming a positive test result and allowing applicants to seek a retest.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"smokefree-workplace\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Smoke-free workplace&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina bans smoking in certain private workplaces, including restaurants, bars and long-term care facilities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"weapons-in-the-workplace\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Weapons in the workplace&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-safety\/guns-in-parking-lots-laws-by-state\/\">Firearms (even with a valid concealed carry permit) may be prohibited on any private premises<\/a> where notice is conspicuously posted or given by statement of the person in control of the property.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"safe-driving-practices\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Safe driving practices&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina prohibits texting while driving.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Organizational-Exit\">Organizational exit&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina employers may be required to follow certain requirements when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/disciplinary\/documentation-for-separation-of-employment-by-state\/\">employees exit the organization<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-pay\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Final pay&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/final-wage-payment-requirements-by-state\/\">Upon termination (voluntary or involuntary), North Carolina law provides that wages are due on or before the next regular payday<\/a>, either in the usual manner of payment or by mail if requested by the employee. Wages based on bonuses, commissions or other forms of calculation must be paid on the first regular payday after the amount becomes calculable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Earned vacation pay, commissions and bonuses may not be forfeited unless the employer has a written forfeiture clause in its vacation, commission, bonus or termination policy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mass-layoffs\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Mass layoffs&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have its own version of the federal WARN Act.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ai-in-employment\">AI in employment&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">North Carolina does not have a law related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/ai-laws-by-state-and-locality\/\">AI in employment<\/a> applicable to private employers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column lnrs-hide-block-on-mobile is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondary-gray);border-left-width:2px;padding-left:10px;flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained wp-container-2 is-position-sticky\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-secondary-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-db4c44a6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b827052 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:5px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\" class=\"\">In this resource:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#equal-employment-opportunity\">EEO and worker protections<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Recruiting-and-Hiring\">Recruiting and hiring<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Wage-and-Hour\">Wage and hour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Pay-and-Benefits\">Pay and benefits<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Time-Off-and-Leaves-of-Absence\">Time off and leaves of absence<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Health-and-Safety\">Health and safety<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Organizational-Exit\">Organizational exit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#ai-in-employment\">AI in employment<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-bleach-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a36fa716 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-the-full-picture\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Get the full picture.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This resource is a brief overview of state employment law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Dig deeper with in-depth coverage of state and local employment laws in our Employment Law Guide.  Get a free quote for HR &amp; Compliance Center today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/quote\/?intcmp=hrcc-resources|premium-resources|button|quote|Get-a-quote\" style=\"border-radius:25px\">Get a quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"#top\">Go back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-efae2095 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-may-also-be-interested-in\">You may also be interested in&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n<section id=\"resources-search-filter\" class=\"wp-block-brightmine-resources-filter has-text-color has-primary-gray-color has-background has-primary-white-background-color\">\n\n\n<div class=\"ajax-filter\">\n<div class=\"lnrs-resources-search-filter  editor-posts-filtered-topics \">\n\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_bottom\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_left\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_result_count\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_right\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"loader-container\">\n\t\t<span class=\"loader\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-filter-widget__container\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/additional-nlrb-member-opens-door-to-reverse-union-friendly-decisions\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/17073128\/Creative-team-meeting-1200x627-1.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">HR News<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/additional-nlrb-member-opens-door-to-reverse-union-friendly-decisions\/\">Additional NLRB member opens door to reverse union-friendly decisions<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">The confirmation of a fourth National Labor Relations Board member gives Republicans a 3-1 majority, creating a pathway &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/eeo-protected-classes-by-state\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/13035009\/Students-attending-university-1200x627-1.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Charts<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/eeo-protected-classes-by-state\/\">EEO protected classes by state<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">Explore state\u2011by\u2011state EEO protected classes to help HR teams understand discrimination laws and maintain compliant employment practices.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/final-wage-payment-requirements-by-state\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/21002819\/Brightmine-office-staff-drafting-email-v2-1200x627-1.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Charts<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/final-wage-payment-requirements-by-state\/\">Final wage payment requirements by state and municipality<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">Learn how each state handles final wage payments, unused time payouts, and penalties, with our expertly maintained compliance &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5fb0786f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fcdab8bb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5fb0786f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-topics-on-this-page\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Topics on this page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-topic has-link-color wp-elements-5ec59eb01c09ec2f1d84a6b36973ff83 wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/\" rel=\"tag\">HR compliance<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/\" rel=\"tag\">State-by-state compliance<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cararra-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cararra-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-the-author\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">About the author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-658170e2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/12085517\/Brightmine_Favicon_128px.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-681\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:500px;border-top-right-radius:500px;border-bottom-left-radius:500px;border-bottom-right-radius:500px;aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"\"><strong>The Brightmine Editorial Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Our in-house team of HR experts carefully monitors and updates the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/products\/hr-compliance-center\/\">Brightmine HR &amp; Compliance Center<\/a>, the most comprehensive library of employment law and HR resources. This team has an unrivaled wealth of subject matter expertise, with an average of 15 years&#8217; experience. They also bring invaluable, diverse career experiences to the table\u2014the team includes seasoned employment law attorneys, former in-house counsel, SHRM certified professionals and career employment law editors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In addition to managing the HR &amp; Compliance Center, the Editorial Team supports the content across the Brightmine product portfolio. The Team also supports Marketing Resource Center with breaking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/category\/hr-news\/\">HR news<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/category\/c-and-i\/\">Commentary and Insights<\/a>, and expert review of key compliance resources, such as our free charts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/brightmine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Follow Brightmine on LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This North Carolina employment law overview reviews requirements employers should know if they have employees working in the state.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":6836,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"employment-law-overview","categories":[13],"tags":[],"topic":[25,77],"class_list":["post-6717","resources","type-resources","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-how-to","topic-hr-compliance","topic-state-compliance"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>North Carolina employment law overview | Brightmine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"North Carolina employment law overview | This guide provides an overview of key North Carolina employment laws employers should know.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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