Living Wage Coalition of Transylvania County
The LWCTC participates in the Living Wage Employer Certification Program. The Living Wage rate for Transylvania County in 2025 is $17.55/hour. For more information about determining the wage rate click here.
The Living Wage Coalition of Transylvania County has overseen the certification of employers who pay a living wage in the County since 2008 as an affiliate of Just Economics of WNC. It is a crucial part of the largest local living wage program in the nation, and stands out as a model for rural, grassroots advocacy and action on economic justice for the entire country, particularly the American South. In addition to its certification program, the Coalition educates, advocates, and organizes around pro-worker, pro-business policies that work toward a just and sustainable economy for all in Transylvania County.
An economy that prioritizes living wages for workers is necessary to ensure healthy growth, stability and prosperity of our local economy, especially for businesses and employers who rely on a workforce that is not in or near a constant state of distress. That economy is being built, right here in Transylvania, by the 65 Living Wage Certified employers of over 1100 workers who so far, have given $133,000 in annual raises to Transylvania workers in 2025 alone. It is being built by the City of Brevard, who proudly raised their wage floor for the second time so that all City employees earn a living wage and have Paid Parental Leave. It is being built by the teachers and classified staff who form the Transylvania County Association of Educators, and took time between end-of-year grading and their second jobs to successfully rally the community to call for their first county supplement increase in 11 years.
A just and sustainable economy for all in Transylvania is being built, and there is plenty of room for all who wish to help build it. If you own a business, reach out to us to learn how to become Living Wage Certified. If you shop, hire, make donations to nonprofits locally, make a point to support a Living Wage Certified employer. Leave them a review online letting them and others know how much you appreciate them for prioritizing Living Wages.
If you are a worker in Transylvania County, take the Transylvania ‘State of Work’ Survey and let us know about your experience and help shape the narrative about working in Transylvania. If you are a worker, passionate Living Wage employer, or an engaged consumer or member of the public, call yourself a member of the Living Wage Coalition of Transylvania County.
