Are employers allowed to set a different hourly wage for part-time and full-time employees?
In North Carolina, employers are allowed to set different hourly wages for part-time and full-time employees, as long as the wages they set comply with Wage and Hour Law. According to the North Carolina Department of Labor, the Wage and Hour Act applies to all employers doing business in the state, and it guarantees that all employees receive at least the federally mandated minimum wage. Therefore, regardless of the type of worker, employers must pay at least the minimum wage—currently $7.25 an hour in North Carolina. However, employers can set different wages for part-time and full-time employees as long as their total compensation meets the minimum wage requirement. For example, an employer might pay a part-time employee a lower hourly wage but make up the difference in benefits like health insurance or vacation time. Employers can also pay different wages to full-time and part-time employees if they can demonstrate that the difference is based on factors like seniority, experience, or job performance. Overall, North Carolina employers are permitted to establish different hourly wages for part-time and full-time workers, though they must always ensure that they meet or exceed the minimum wage set by Wage and Hour Law.
Related FAQs
What is the difference between an employee handbook and an employment contract?What must an employer do in order to comply with wage and hour law?
Are employers required to provide a rest break and/or meal break?
What is the overtime threshold for salaried employees?
Are employers allowed to set different work hours for different employees?
What are the rules regarding meal and rest breaks?
What are the rules for paying interns?
Are employers allowed to pay a lower rate for piecework?
Are there any exceptions to minimum wage laws?
What are the laws regarding the payment of bonuses?
Related Blog Posts
What is Wage and Hour Law and How Does it Affect Your Business? - July 31, 2023What Employers Need to Know About Wage and Hour Law - August 7, 2023
The Basics of Payroll Law and Compliance - August 14, 2023
Compensating Your Employees - Tips for Wage and Hour Law Compliance - August 21, 2023
Understanding Overtime Rules Under Wage and Hour Law - August 28, 2023