Blog · Payroll Management
North Dakota Minimum Wage 2026: What Employers Owe
North Dakota's 2026 minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal floor exactly, per the U.S. Department of Labor's state minimum wage chart.
With North Dakota's rate set at the federal minimum, employers there primarily follow federal FLSA rules for wage and hour compliance. This guide covers what North Dakota requires for 2026 and where employers should watch for changes.
North Dakota Minimum Wage Rates for 2026
| Wage Floor | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| North Dakota state minimum wage | $7.25 |
| Federal minimum wage (FLSA) | $7.25 |
Because North Dakota's rate matches the federal minimum exactly, employers should track federal FLSA guidance closely and stay alert for any future state-level minimum wage legislation.
Overtime Rules in North Dakota
North Dakota applies the standard weekly overtime rule: non-exempt employees earn 1.5x their regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. There is no daily overtime threshold under state law.
Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family Leave
North Dakota does not currently require paid sick leave or operate a state paid family and medical leave (PFML) program. Employers there rely on federal FMLA protections where applicable, along with any voluntary leave benefits they choose to offer.
Tipped Employees and Local Ordinances
Tip credit provisions allow eligible employers to pay a lower direct cash wage to tipped employees, provided tips bring total compensation up to at least minimum wage. Because tipped wage rules and any local ordinance activity can change, confirm current requirements through the DOL state labor office contacts page before finalizing pay rates.
What This Means for Payroll Compliance
Even at the federal wage floor, North Dakota payroll compliance means applying overtime correctly, administering tip credit accurately, and monitoring for any future state minimum wage changes. Simple wage rates do not eliminate the need for careful payroll processing.
BEG's managed payroll service applies North Dakota's wage and overtime rules automatically at every payroll close, keeping your business current without manual tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the North Dakota minimum wage in 2026?
North Dakota's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2026, matching the federal minimum wage. The state has not enacted a minimum wage above the federal floor.
What is the overtime rule in North Dakota?
North Dakota follows the standard weekly overtime rule: 1.5x the regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Does North Dakota require paid sick leave or paid family leave?
No. North Dakota does not have a statewide paid sick leave mandate or a state paid family and medical leave (PFML) program as of 2026.
Are there local minimum wage ordinances in North Dakota?
North Dakota does not have widespread city-level minimum wage ordinances. Employers should confirm current local requirements with the state labor office, since local rules can change.
Where can employers verify current North Dakota wage and hour rules?
The U.S. Department of Labor publishes a state-by-state minimum wage chart, and its state contacts directory links directly to the North Dakota labor office for enforcement and local ordinance detail.
Related Resources
Anthony leads payroll solutions at Business Executive Group, a national managed payroll firm serving businesses across industries. BEG manages payroll at $25-$45 PEPM, all-inclusive, with deep expertise in compliance, multi-state filing, and state-specific wage and hour requirements. Get instant pricing at beghr.com.
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