North Carolina Pay Period and Frequency Laws

Various labor laws and regulations are in effect across the United States. Some federal laws apply to all states, but no law is in place around pay period and frequency on a nationwide level. Explore the requirements around the schedule for paying employees in North Carolina.

Does North Carolina Have Pay Period and Frequency Laws That Differ from Federal Laws?

The law in North Carolina is only slightly more specific than the federal law regarding pay frequency. The state allows various pay schedules, including monthly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, weekly, and daily. Less frequent payments of commissions, bonuses, and other forms of calculation are also permitted, as long as they are communicated in advance.

How Often Do Employers Need to Pay Employees in North Carolina?

Employers must establish a consistent pay schedule that is either monthly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, weekly, or daily. Any changes must be communicated in advance.

How Long After a Pay Period Must Wage be Paid in North Carolina?

North Carolina law states that employers must pay employees within 15 days of the end of the pay period.

What Are the Penalties to Employers for Late Paychecks in North Carolina?

Penalties for late paychecks include the payment of unpaid wages plus interest and liquidated damages (which can equal up to double the amount of unpaid wages). Employees may also be permitted to take legal action and recover attorney’s fees.

What Are the Paycheck Requirements for An Employee Whose Employment Has Been Terminated?

The final paycheck must be issued to a terminated employee on or before the next regularly scheduled payday.

Are There Any Municipalities or Cities in North Carolina That Have Differing Pay Period or Pay Frequency Laws?

No, state law allows all employers to choose from standard pay periods and establish a consistent schedule.

Are There Any Other Laws in North Carolina Regarding Pay Periods and Pay Frequency?

All employers must provide a written or electronic pay statement with each payment of wages. The statement must detail:

• Gross and net wages
• Hours worked (if applicable)
• A breakdown of all deductions

Accurate hours are critical to accurate paychecks. An automated time and labor platform like WorkforceHub streamlines how you collect employee time data. Integrations with top payroll platforms ensure that employees receive the proper pay for hours worked. Plus, you can set up pay periods within the platform that comply with North Carolina regulations.