Current minimum wage rate: $7.25/hour. Tipped employee rate, annual salary equivalent, and your rights as a North Dakota worker.
Last updated: April 2026 · Data: IRS, BLS, state sources
| Category | Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| Standard Minimum Wage | $7.25/hour |
| Tipped Employee Cash Wage | $4.86/hour |
| Federal Minimum Wage | $7.25/hour |
| Annual Equivalent (40 hrs/week) | $15,080/year |
| Tipped Annual Equivalent | $10,109/year (cash wages only) |
North Dakota does not set a state minimum wage above the federal level. The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour applies to most North Dakota workers covered by the FLSA.
North Dakota minimum wage equals the federal rate.
The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour has not changed since 2009. States with higher minimums provide greater worker protections. When state and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the higher rate.
Tipped employees in North Dakota have a cash minimum wage of $4.86/hour. Tip credit of $2.39/hour permitted.
Employers can pay tipped employees $4.86/hour in direct wages if the employee's tips bring their total compensation to at least $7.25/hour. If tips are insufficient, the employer must make up the difference.
Tipped employees must be informed of the tip credit before it is applied. Employers who take a tip credit must allow employees to keep all tips, except in valid tip pool arrangements.
Certain workers may be paid less than the standard minimum wage under federal or state exemptions:
| Hours per Week | Weeks per Year | Annual Income at $7.25/hr |
|---|---|---|
| 20 (part-time) | 52 | $7,540 |
| 30 | 52 | $11,310 |
| 40 (full-time) | 52 | $15,080 |
| 40 (full-time) | 50 (2 wks unpaid) | $14,500 |
Use our free minimum wage calculator to compute annual income, overtime pay, and take-home pay estimates for North Dakota workers.
Open North Dakota Minimum Wage CalculatorThe North Dakota minimum wage in 2026 is $7.25/hour. This equals the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Working 40 hours per week at this rate earns approximately $15,080 per year before taxes.
Tipped employees in North Dakota may be paid a cash minimum wage of $4.86/hour. Tip credit of $2.39/hour permitted. If tips do not bring the employee's total hourly compensation to $7.25/hour, the employer must pay the difference.
North Dakota minimum wage equals the federal rate. Check the North Dakota Department of Labor website for the most current rate information, as minimum wages frequently change through legislation or automatic inflation adjustments.