NC S291

Increases North Carolina's minimum wage incrementally from $8.80 per hour (January 1, 2020) to $15.00 per hour (January 1, 2024), with automatic annual adjustments beginning September 30, 2022 based on the Consumer Price Index.

Ends the subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities and eliminates the exemption for domestic workers (including baby sitters and companions) from minimum wage, overtime, and youth employment requirements.

Increases the tipped employee minimum wage from the current federal credit to $5.00 per hour (2020), $6.50 per hour (2021), $8.00 per hour (2022), and $9.50 per hour (2023).

Maintains reduced wage rates of 90% for full-time students, learners, apprentices, and messengers, and allows the Commissioner of Labor to establish subminimum rates (85-90% of minimum wage) for economically disadvantaged workers and seasonal food service employees.

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with minimum wage increases and tipped employee wage adjustments phased in on specified dates through 2023.