Yesterday, the federal minimum wage increased from $5.85 to $6.55.  North Carolina’s higher minimum of $6.15 has largely been preempted by the new federal floor.  The federal minimum wage will increase to $7.25 on July 24, 2009.  Under a North Carolina wage provision, the minimum wage for restaurant wait staff receiving certain tip guarantees actually decreased from $2.43 to $2.13.