Are there any exceptions to minimum wage laws?

Yes, there are exceptions to the minimum wage laws in North Carolina. Generally, employers must pay their employees at least the applicable minimum wage rate for all hours worked. However, there are certain categories of employees who are exempt from the minimum wage requirements. These categories include people who are employed as “learners,” employers of certain agricultural labor, domestic service workers, and employees of some amusement or recreational establishments. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) also allows employers to pay workers with disabilities or older teens a minimum wage that is below the standard rate. This type of wage is known as a “subminimum wage” and is only allowed if the employer obtains a special certificate from the federal government. Finally, employers may choose to pay certain salaried professionals—such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers—a salary instead of the minimum wage. This type of salary is known as an “exempt salary” and is based on the employee’s job duties. Therefore, although North Carolina requires employers to pay their employees at least the minimum wage for all hours worked, there are exceptions that allow certain categories of employees to be paid a lower wage rate or salary. Employers should always check with their local labor laws to make sure that they are complying with all applicable wage laws.

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