Current law, GS 95-25.3(a), sets the minimum wage that every employer must pay to each employee who performs any work during any workweek at the higher of $6.15 per hour or the minimum wage set forth in 29 USC 206(a)(1) (the Fair Labor Standards Act, which may change with time), except as otherwise provided in the statute.

This act increases the state's minimum wage in the five phases. Effective January 1, 2020, sets the minimum wage at the higher of $8.80 per hour or the minimum wage set forth in 29 USC 206(a)(1). Effective January 1, 2021, sets the minimum wage at the higher of $10.35 per hour or the minimum wage set forth in 29 USC 206(a)(1). Effective January 1, 2022, sets the minimum wage at the higher of $12 per hour or the minimum wage set forth in 29 USC 206(a)(1). Effective January 1, 2023, sets the minimum wage at the higher of $13.50 per hour or the minimum wage set forth in 29 USC 206(a)(1). Effective January 1, 2024, sets the minimum wage at the higher of $15 per hour or the minimum wage set forth in 29 USC 206(a)(1). Directs the Commissioner of Labor to calculate an adjusted minimum wage rate, beginning September 30, 2022, and on each September 30 thereafter, using the Consumer Price Index , CPI-U, or its successor index, as calculated by the US Department of Labor for the 12-month period preceding the previous September 1. Requires each adjusted minimum wage rate calculated to be published on September 30 and take effect on the following January 1.