SingleMothers.us
Flexible jobs for single mothers in North Carolina
North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage, but it guarantees parents time off for school involvement and runs a full-day NC Pre-K program.
Pay in North Carolina
North Carolina’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, according to the Department of Labor. State law ties it to the federal rate, which has applied since July 24, 2009.
Leave for parents
School involvement leave
North Carolina employers must give 4 hours a year of unpaid leave to any parent, guardian or person standing in for a parent of a school-aged child, so they can be involved at school.
Sick leave and family leave
State law does not require employers to give paid sick leave, vacation or holiday pay. North Carolina has no state paid family leave program, so eligible employees rely on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave.
Help with child care
The Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program is run by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Child Development and Early Education. You apply in the county where you live. Most families pay a fee of 10 percent of income.
NC Pre-K serves children who are 4 on or before August 31, from families with income at or below 75 percent of the state median, with some exceptions. Programs run a 6.5-hour day for 180 days a year. Apply through your county’s NC Pre-K contracting agency; some counties have waiting lists.
Tax help
North Carolina has no state earned income credit. Instead, the North Carolina child deduction lowers taxable income for each child who qualifies for the federal Child Tax Credit. For tax year 2025, a head of household could deduct $3,000 per child at incomes up to $30,000, falling to nothing above $105,000.
Scheduling
Since 2023, state law stops cities and counties from setting their own rules on wages, hours, benefits and leave. Notice of shifts is up to each employer.
Getting into work
More than 70 NCWorks Career Centers help job seekers across the state. Insurance producers are licensed by the Department of Insurance. Pharmacy technicians register with the Board of Pharmacy under state law.
Questions about working in North Carolina
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina?
$7.25 an hour, the same as the federal rate. State law ties North Carolina’s rate to the federal one.
Can I take time off for my child’s school in North Carolina?
Yes. Employers must give parents of school-aged children 4 hours a year of unpaid leave to be involved in their child’s school.
Who can get NC Pre-K?
Children who are 4 on or before August 31, from families with income at or below 75 percent of the state median, with some exceptions. Programs run a 6.5-hour day, and some counties have waiting lists.
Send us the hours you can keep
Send us your hours and your North Carolina ZIP code. We look for flexible roles near you, or remote roles open to North Carolina residents.