Orange County Living Wage is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that certifies, recognizes, and promotes Orange County businesses that pay a living wage and assists workers seeking living wage jobs.
Our board has approved a strategic plan to guide our work over the next three years. Read an overview.
Support Our Living Wage Certified Employers
Triangle Crawl Space Solutions
Hillsborough, NC
“Our people are definitely our best asset, and programs like OCLW help us make sure we are looking after each and every one of them.”
– Owner Stephan Hearn
Golden Fig Books
Carrboro, NC
“I view a living wage as an excellent starting point for a sustainable business. The federal minimum wage has lagged so far behind inflation, worker productivity, and the cost of living that it is basically meaningless to today’s economic environment. By starting our employees at a living wage, we hope this allows them to lead full lives and take pride in their work without the constant stress that comes with being chronically underpaid.”
– Owner David Bradley
Belltree Cocktail Club
Carrboro, NC
“Living wages mean happy, invested workers, and an amazing work environment. When no one is mad about what they make, there is room for so much more growth and maintenance. Before we raised everyone to [the 2022 living wage of] $15.85 plus tips, my employees still averaged a living wage or above. But now, they make a ‘thriving wage,’ and as a result, so do I, as a partner in the Belltree Cocktail Club. The next you come in to enjoy a Negroni or a glass of wine, I ask that you continue to tip my exceptional team. They deserve it.”
– Owner Nicholas Stroud
Hillsborough Arts Council
Hillsborough, NC
“Working in the non-profit sector has historically meant having to sacrifice making a living wage in exchange for participating in meaningful, mission-driven, community work. As an employer, Hillsborough Arts Council aims to help shift that narrative. While we still have hurdles to navigate, due to our small size, limited resources, and having to rely heavily on the generosity of donors to fund our operations, we are committed to offering the best workplace experience possible.”
– Executive Director Mollie Thomas
Big Spoon Roasters
Hillsborough, NC
“The concept of a living wage means that participating employers are thinking about the health and happiness of their employees beyond the context of what a state or government may require. This is how we need all businesses to operate if we want to have a healthy and equitable society. We support the living wage model because it is based on the real-life needs of families.”
– Co-Founder Mark Overbay
Roquette at Franklin Motors
Chapel Hill, NC
“I don’t think it’s any secret that cooks work long hours in hot kitchens and beat themselves up every shift to get the food out right and on time – and they deserve proper compensation for that.”
– Chef John Smith, pictured with Chef Sarah Smith
Annie Burton – State Farm Insurance
Hillsborough, NC
“It is wonderful to have a career that pays a living wage. I have such peace of mind knowing that I have stability in my work and paycheck. I am so thankful for being paid a living wage. Working at Annie Burton State Farm has changed not only my life, but also my family’s life, for the better.”
– Jenna Burgess, a sales and customer service representative. Jenna is pictured (right) with Annie.
Redeye
Hillsborough, NC
“When I started to work at Redeye, the fact that they paid a living wage was a major perk. Having the entry-level pay match the county’s living wage standards reduces some of the stress around paying bills and gives me a bit more money to use on fun things like going to shows. Additionally, Redeye recently adjusted the living wage to keep up with inflation.”
– Liza Riitters, shipping and floor Coordinator
Get Certified
Orange County Living Wage certifies and publicizes businesses and organizations who pay their workers a living wage.
Businesses and organizations voluntarily certify as living wage employers because they believe fair compensation is good for their employees and the local economy. We engage our community in living wage advocacy through consumer campaigns such as “buycotts” of local living wage employers, promotion of certified employers’ events, and recognition of certified employers’ achievements. We promote our certified employers through social and print media and at local events. Our employer directory includes a wide variety of for-profit, nonprofit, and municipal employers.
