Wyoming Minimum Wage 2026
⚠️Informational only — not legal or tax advice.
Last Updated: February 11, 2026
Last Reviewed: February 11, 2026
Applicable Period: 2026
Jurisdiction: State of Wyoming, United States
Update Schedule: Quarterly reviews in 2026; annual reviews thereafter
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Wyoming Minimum Wage – 2026 Quick Reference
- Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Wyoming
- Current Minimum Wage Rates in Wyoming 2026
- Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
- Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Wyoming
- Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
- Employer Obligations and Enforcement
- Wyoming Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
- Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Information Verification Log
Introduction
The minimum wage in Wyoming establishes the lowest hourly compensation that employers must legally provide to covered employees. For 2026, Wyoming maintains a state minimum wage of $5.15 per hour under state statute, but most employers must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour due to Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) coverage. The state permits tip credits for tipped employees, and no local jurisdictions have enacted higher minimum wage ordinances.
Minimum wage regulations in Wyoming operate under Wyoming Statute § 27-4-202 alongside federal requirements established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). When both state and federal minimum wage laws apply, employers must comply with the higher rate. Wyoming allows tip credits for qualifying tipped employees, and no local jurisdictions have established minimum wages exceeding the federal standard. The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services administers and enforces state wage and hour laws.
This page provides an authoritative overview of Wyoming minimum wage law for 2026, including current rates, tipped employee provisions, youth wage provisions, coverage and exemptions, enforcement procedures, and compliance requirements. All information is compiled from official government sources.
| Wyoming Minimum Wage – 2026 Quick Reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Rate | Effective Date | Official Source |
| State minimum wage (statute) | $5.15/hour | April 1, 2001 | W.S. § 27-4-202(a) |
| Effective minimum wage | $7.25/hour | July 24, 2009 | Federal FLSA |
| Tipped minimum wage | $2.13/hour | April 1, 2001 | W.S. § 27-4-202(b) |
| Maximum tip credit | $5.12/hour | — | Federal law |
| Youth wage (under 20) | $4.25/hour | First 90 days | W.S. § 27-4-202(c) |
| Next scheduled increase | None | N/A | — |
| Rate adjustment mechanism | Fixed | — | Requires legislation |
| Local minimum wages | No | — | State law |
Last verified: February 11, 2026 via Wyoming Department of Workforce Services
Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Wyoming
Legal Authority
Wyoming minimum wage requirements are established under Wyoming Statute § 27-4-202, which sets the state minimum wage at $5.15 per hour. The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Labor Standards Division administers and enforces minimum wage regulations in Wyoming. The state minimum wage was last amended in April 2001 through Senate File 0036, which increased the rate from $1.60 to $5.15 per hour to align with the then-current federal minimum wage. No increases to the state minimum wage have been enacted since that time.
Relationship to Federal Law
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum wage establishes a floor of $7.25 per hour for covered employers and employees. Wyoming’s statutory minimum wage of $5.15 per hour is lower than the federal rate. When both state and federal minimum wage laws apply, employers must pay whichever rate is higher.
Because the federal minimum wage of $7.25 exceeds Wyoming’s state minimum, most covered employers must comply with the federal rate. The federal minimum wage applies to employers engaged in interstate commerce or with annual gross sales of $500,000 or more. For the relatively small number of employers not covered by the FLSA, Wyoming’s state minimum wage of $5.15 per hour applies.
Coverage Scope
Wyoming minimum wage law applies to all employers who employ one or more employees. However, because Wyoming’s state minimum wage is lower than the federal minimum, most employees receive protection under the FLSA rather than state law. Employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Certain occupations and employee categories are exempt from minimum wage requirements under both federal and state law, including bona fide executive, administrative, and professional employees, outside sales employees, and workers in specific industries. Agricultural workers, domestic service employees, and certain seasonal workers may also be exempt under federal law.
Higher Rate Principle
The principle of “higher prevailing rate” requires employers to pay the highest applicable minimum wage—whether federal or state. In Wyoming, this means employers must identify and apply whichever minimum wage rate provides employees the highest hourly compensation. For most employers and employees, this results in application of the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour rather than Wyoming’s lower statutory rate of $5.15 per hour.
Current Minimum Wage Rates in Wyoming 2026
Standard Minimum Wage
As of 2026, the effective minimum wage in Wyoming is $7.25 per hour for most covered employees. This rate reflects the federal minimum wage established under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which supersedes Wyoming’s statutory rate of $5.15 per hour.
Wyoming’s state minimum wage has remained at $5.15 per hour since April 1, 2001. The most recent federal minimum wage increase occurred on July 24, 2009, when the rate increased from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour. Because the federal rate exceeds the state rate, employers covered by the FLSA must pay the higher federal minimum.
The federal minimum wage applies to employers:
- Engaged in interstate commerce
- With annual gross sales of $500,000 or more
- Operating hospitals, schools, or government agencies
Employers not covered by the FLSA must pay at least Wyoming’s statutory minimum wage of $5.15 per hour. However, such employers represent a small minority of Wyoming businesses, as federal coverage is broad and encompasses most commercial activity.
Youth Wage Provisions
Wyoming law permits reduced wage rates for young workers during initial employment:
Youth Minimum Wage
- Rate: $4.25 per hour
- Eligibility: Employees who have not attained the age of 20 years
- Duration: First 90 consecutive days after initial employment by the employer
- Authority: W.S. § 27-4-202(c)
After completing the first 90 consecutive days of employment, or upon reaching age 20, employers must pay at least the standard minimum wage of $7.25 per hour (or $5.15 for employers not covered by federal law).
Employer Obligations: Wyoming law prohibits employers from taking any action to displace employees, including partial displacements such as reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits, for purposes of hiring individuals at the youth wage rate. This protection prevents employers from terminating older workers to hire younger workers at the lower rate.
Scheduled Increases
No further minimum wage increases are currently scheduled in Wyoming. The state minimum wage will remain at $5.15 per hour unless modified by future legislation. Similarly, the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour with no scheduled increases.
Wyoming does not have an automatic cost-of-living adjustment mechanism for its minimum wage. Any future increases to the state minimum wage would require legislative action by the Wyoming Legislature.
Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
Tipped Employee Cash Wage
Wyoming permits employers to pay tipped employees a reduced cash wage, provided that employee tips combined with the cash wage equal at least the full minimum wage.
Cash wage requirement: $2.13 per hour
Maximum tip credit: $5.12 per hour
Total minimum compensation: $7.25 per hour (cash wage + tips)
Authority: Wyoming Statute § 27-4-202(b)
Who Qualifies as a Tipped Employee
Under Wyoming law, a “tipped employee” is defined as an employee who customarily and regularly receives more than $30 per month in tips. This definition follows the federal FLSA standard. Qualifying occupations typically include:
- Restaurant servers and bartenders
- Hotel service workers
- Casino dealers and service staff
- Parking attendants and valets
- Delivery drivers who receive tips
- Hair stylists and barbers working for tips
Employer Obligations for Tipped Workers
Employers who claim a tip credit must:
- Inform employees in writing of the tip credit provisions before claiming the credit, including the amount of cash wage paid, the amount claimed as tip credit, and that tips belong to the employee
- Ensure total compensation (cash wage plus tips) equals or exceeds $7.25 per hour for all hours worked
- Pay the difference if an employee’s tips fail to bring total compensation to the minimum wage during any pay period
- Maintain accurate records of employee tips and hours worked, including employee-furnished tip reports
- Allow employees to retain all tips received, except as permitted under voluntary tip pooling arrangements
Tip Reporting Requirements
Under Wyoming Statute § 27-4-202(b), tipped employees must furnish monthly to their employers the daily record of tips required to be kept under federal law and upon forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service. This daily record constitutes prima facie proof of the amount of tips received by the employee. Proof of a customary tipping percentage of sales or service is also admissible as evidence of tip amounts.
Tip Pooling and Ownership
Wyoming Statute § 27-4-507 establishes that tips received by employees are the sole property of the employee or employees. Tips are not payable in whole or in part to the employer or any other person.
Voluntary Tip Pooling: An employer may obtain voluntary agreements from employees to engage in tip pooling. However, Wyoming law prohibits mandatory tip pooling arrangements. Employees must voluntarily agree to participate in any tip sharing or pooling arrangement.
Prohibited Practices: Employers cannot:
- Keep any portion of employee tips
- Require employees to share tips with management
- Use customer tips to satisfy minimum wage obligations beyond the permitted tip credit
- Mandate participation in tip pooling arrangements
Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Wyoming
Wyoming does not have any cities or counties with minimum wage ordinances that exceed the federal minimum wage. The effective minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies uniformly across all jurisdictions in Wyoming.
While Wyoming law does not explicitly prohibit local governments from enacting minimum wage ordinances, no municipalities have exercised such authority. All employers in Wyoming must comply with the uniform federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour (or Wyoming’s state minimum of $5.15 for employers not covered by the FLSA).
Statewide Uniformity
The absence of local minimum wage variations means:
- Consistent rates: All employers in Wyoming pay the same minimum wage regardless of geographic location
- Simplified compliance: Employers with multiple locations across Wyoming need not track different local rates
- No geographic wage disparities: Workers performing the same work earn the same minimum wage whether in Cheyenne, Casper, or rural counties
Future Local Wage Possibilities
If Wyoming cities or counties were to enact local minimum wage ordinances in the future, employers would need to pay the highest applicable rate—federal, state, or local—for work performed in that jurisdiction. However, no such ordinances currently exist or are under active consideration.
Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
Employees Covered by Wyoming Minimum Wage
Wyoming minimum wage law covers all employees of employers with one or more employees, subject to exemptions specified in state and federal law. In practice, most employees receive protection under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act rather than Wyoming’s state minimum wage statute.
Covered employees include:
- Private sector workers: Full-time and part-time employees of private businesses covered by the FLSA
- Salaried non-exempt employees: Employees paid on a salary basis who do not qualify for executive, administrative, or professional exemptions
- Hourly employees: Workers compensated on an hourly basis
- Temporary and seasonal workers: Generally covered if employer meets FLSA requirements
- Minor employees: Workers under age 18, subject to youth wage provisions for those under age 20
Exemptions from Minimum Wage Requirements
The following categories of employees are exempt from Wyoming minimum wage requirements:
Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employees
Employees performing bona fide executive, administrative, or professional duties may be exempt if they meet both federal salary and duties tests. For 2026, the minimum salary threshold for exempt status under federal law is $844 per week ($43,888 annually) as of July 1, 2024, increasing to $1,128 per week ($58,656 annually) on January 1, 2025.
Outside Sales Employees
Employees whose primary duty is making sales away from the employer’s place of business and who are customarily and regularly engaged away from the employer’s business location are exempt from minimum wage requirements under both federal and Wyoming law.
Agricultural Workers
Wyoming Statute § 27-4-201 exempts individuals engaged in agriculture from state minimum wage requirements. Federal law provides limited exemptions for certain agricultural workers, though many agricultural employees are covered by the FLSA.
Domestic Service Workers
Individuals employed in domestic service in or about a private home are exempt under Wyoming law. Federal law may provide coverage for domestic service workers depending on hours worked and other factors.
Nonprofit and Educational Organizations
Individuals engaged in activities of educational, charitable, religious, or nonprofit organizations where no employer-employee relationship exists or where services are rendered on a voluntary basis are exempt from Wyoming minimum wage requirements.
Government Employees
Individuals employed by the United States government, the State of Wyoming, or its political subdivisions are exempt from state minimum wage law, though federal minimum wage requirements may apply.
Independent Contractors
Properly classified independent contractors are not employees and therefore not covered by minimum wage requirements. However, Wyoming applies federal standards to determine independent contractor status, and misclassification may result in penalties and back wages.
Small Employer Exemptions
Wyoming minimum wage law does not contain small employer exemptions based on number of employees or annual sales volume. All employers with one or more employees must comply with state minimum wage requirements. However, employers not covered by the federal FLSA need only pay Wyoming’s statutory minimum of $5.15 per hour, while FLSA-covered employers must pay the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.
Employer Obligations and Enforcement
Employer Compliance Requirements
Employers subject to Wyoming minimum wage law must:
- Pay the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked ($7.25 federal or $5.15 state depending on coverage)
- Maintain accurate payroll records documenting hours worked and wages paid for at least three years
- Display required posters informing employees of minimum wage rates and worker rights
- Issue compliant wage statements as required by law
- Comply with tip credit requirements if paying tipped employees the reduced cash wage
- Adhere to youth wage restrictions when employing workers under age 20
Recordkeeping Requirements: Under Wyoming Statute § 27-4-203, employers must keep a true and accurate record of the work of employees subject to minimum wage requirements. Federal law requires employers to maintain records for at least three years, including:
- Employee names, addresses, and dates of birth (if under 19)
- Hours worked each workday and workweek
- Wage rates and total wages paid each pay period
- Deductions from wages
- Date of payment and pay period covered
Enforcement of Minimum Wage Law
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Labor Standards Division enforces minimum wage requirements in Wyoming. The agency:
- Investigates wage complaints filed by employees
- Processes complaints regarding unpaid minimum wages
- Issues orders requiring payment of wages due
- Assesses penalties for violations
- Provides information and referrals on wage and benefit matters
Filing a Complaint: Employees who believe they have not been paid proper minimum wage may file a complaint with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services through:
- Online portal: File a Claim for Wages
- Phone: Contact the Labor Standards Division for assistance
- Mail: Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Labor Standards Division, 5221 Yellowstone Road, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Wyoming law prohibits retaliation against employees who file wage complaints or cooperate with investigations. The U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division enforces federal minimum wage requirements under the FLSA.
Penalties for Minimum Wage Violations
Employers who violate Wyoming minimum wage law may be subject to:
Back Wages: Under Wyoming Statute § 27-4-204, employers must pay employees the difference between wages paid and the required minimum wage. Employees or the Labor Standards Division may bring suit to collect unpaid minimum wages.
Liability for Unpaid Wages: Any employer who violates minimum wage provisions is liable to employees for unpaid wages. The Labor Standards Division may order payment of wages due, and orders are enforceable through legal action.
Criminal Penalties: Under Wyoming Statute § 27-4-504, failure to comply with an order to pay wages lawfully due constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $200 for each day the employer fails to comply, when the order is not appealed.
Federal Penalties: Employers who violate FLSA minimum wage requirements may face civil penalties, back wage liability, liquidated damages equal to the amount of back wages, and potential criminal prosecution for willful violations.
Enforcement Actions: The Labor Standards Division issues orders requiring payment of wages due by certified mail. Employers who fail to comply with such orders face penalties and potential legal action.
Wyoming Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
The Federal Minimum Wage Floor
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009. This federal rate sets a floor for minimum wage requirements nationwide and applies to employers:
- Engaged in interstate commerce
- With annual gross sales exceeding $500,000
- Operating hospitals, schools, or government agencies
- Meeting other FLSA coverage criteria
When State vs Federal Law Applies
Because Wyoming’s statutory minimum wage of $5.15 per hour is lower than the federal minimum, most employees working in Wyoming are entitled to the higher federal rate of $7.25 per hour. The Wyoming state minimum serves as the requirement only for the limited category of employers not covered by federal law.
Employers covered by both state and federal law must pay $7.25 per hour. Employers covered only by Wyoming law (not subject to FLSA) must pay at least $5.15 per hour. In practice, the vast majority of Wyoming employers fall under FLSA coverage and must pay the federal minimum wage.
Higher Applicable Rate Rule
The fundamental principle governing minimum wage compliance is that employers must pay whichever rate—federal or state—provides employees the highest hourly wage. This rule ensures workers receive maximum protection under applicable law.
Practical Application:
- Determine whether the employer is covered by the FLSA
- If FLSA coverage applies, pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour
- If no FLSA coverage, pay Wyoming’s state minimum wage of $5.15 per hour
- In all cases, pay the higher applicable rate
For employers uncertain about FLSA coverage, consultation with the U.S. Department of Labor or legal counsel is advisable to ensure proper wage payment.
Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
Wyoming law requires employers to display an official minimum wage notice in a conspicuous location accessible to all employees. The poster must include current wage rates, employee rights, and contact information for the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
Where to obtain posters:
- Download from Wyoming Department of Workforce Services: Free Wyoming-Specific Labor Law Posters (includes State Minimum Wage, UI, Workers’ Rights, OSHA, and Workers’ Comp)
- Download federal posters from U.S. Department of Labor Workplace Posters
- Available languages: English and Spanish versions available
Posting locations: The notice must be posted in each workplace location where employees can readily see it, typically near time clocks, in break rooms, or at other prominent locations frequented by employees.
Compliance: Wyoming Department of Workforce Services provides all labor law posters free of charge. The Department will never ask employers for credit card information for labor law posters. Failure to display required posters may result in citations from the Labor Standards Division. Employers must update posters when minimum wage rates or other requirements change.
Frequently Asked Questions: Minimum Wage in Wyoming 2026
What is the minimum wage in Wyoming in 2026?
The effective minimum wage in Wyoming is $7.25 per hour, which is the federal minimum wage. Wyoming’s state statute sets a minimum wage of $5.15 per hour, but most employers must pay the higher federal rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
When is the next minimum wage increase in Wyoming?
No minimum wage increases are currently scheduled in Wyoming. The state minimum wage has remained $5.15 per hour since 2001, and the federal minimum has been $7.25 since 2009. Any future increases would require legislative action.
Does Wyoming allow tip credit?
Yes, Wyoming permits employers to pay tipped employees a cash wage of $2.13 per hour, with up to $5.12 in tip credit, provided total compensation reaches $7.25 per hour. Tipped employees are those who customarily receive more than $30 per month in tips.
Are there different minimum wages in different cities in Wyoming?
No, Wyoming maintains a uniform minimum wage across all jurisdictions. No cities or counties have enacted minimum wages higher than the federal or state rate. All employers must pay at least $7.25 per hour (or $5.15 for employers not covered by federal law).
Who is exempt from minimum wage in Wyoming?
Common exemptions from Wyoming minimum wage include executive, administrative, and professional employees meeting salary and duties tests, outside sales employees, agricultural workers, domestic service employees, and workers in certain nonprofit or educational organizations. Independent contractors are not covered.
What happens if an employer pays below minimum wage in Wyoming?
Employers who pay below minimum wage face back wage liability for unpaid amounts. The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services can issue orders requiring payment. Failure to comply with payment orders is a misdemeanor punishable by $200 per day. Federal violations may result in additional penalties and liquidated damages.
Do small businesses have to pay minimum wage in Wyoming?
Yes, all employers in Wyoming must pay minimum wage. Employers covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act must pay $7.25 per hour. Employers not covered by federal law must pay Wyoming’s state minimum of $5.15 per hour. There are no small business exemptions based on company size.
Is Wyoming’s minimum wage higher than the federal minimum?
No, Wyoming’s statutory minimum wage of $5.15 per hour is lower than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Because the federal rate is higher, most employers in Wyoming must pay the federal minimum wage rather than the state rate.
How often does Wyoming increase its minimum wage?
Wyoming does not have an automatic minimum wage adjustment mechanism. The state minimum wage has not increased since April 2001. Changes to Wyoming’s minimum wage require legislative action by the Wyoming Legislature. The federal minimum wage has not increased since July 2009.
Can employers pay less than minimum wage during training?
Wyoming permits employers to pay employees under age 20 a youth wage of $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive days of employment. After 90 days or upon reaching age 20, employers must pay at least the standard minimum wage. Employers cannot displace existing workers to hire youth at the lower rate.
How to file a minimum wage complaint in Wyoming
Employees who believe they have not received proper minimum wage compensation may file a wage complaint with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. Filing methods include:
- Online portal: File a Claim for Wages
- Phone: Contact Labor Standards Division at Wyoming Department of Workforce Services
- Mail: Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Labor Standards Division, 5221 Yellowstone Road, Cheyenne, WY 82002
The Labor Standards Division will investigate the complaint and may issue orders for payment of unpaid wages. Wyoming law prohibits employer retaliation against workers who file wage complaints.
Do remote workers in Wyoming get the Wyoming minimum wage?
Generally, the minimum wage of the jurisdiction where the employee physically performs work applies. Remote workers located in Wyoming are typically entitled to Wyoming’s effective minimum wage of $7.25 per hour (or $5.15 for employers not covered by federal law), even if their employer is based in another state.
Information Verification Log
All information on this page has been compiled from official government sources and verified for accuracy as of the dates below.
| Information Verification Log — Wyoming Minimum Wage (Last Verified: February 11, 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Source | Last Verified | Full URL |
| Wyoming Statute § 27-4-202 (Minimum Wage Rates) | February 11, 2026 | https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title27.pdf |
| Wyoming Statute § 27-4-203 (Record Requirements) | February 11, 2026 | https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title27.pdf |
| Wyoming Statute § 27-4-204 (Liability for Unpaid Wages) | February 11, 2026 | https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title27.pdf |
| Wyoming Statute § 27-4-504 (Penalties) | February 11, 2026 | https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title27.pdf |
| Wyoming Statute § 27-4-507 (Tip Ownership) | February 11, 2026 | https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title27.pdf |
| Wyoming Department of Workforce Services — Labor Standards | February 11, 2026 | https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/labor-standards/ |
| Wyoming Department of Workforce Services — FAQs | February 11, 2026 | https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/labor-standards/frequently-asked-questions/ |
| Wyoming Labor Law Posters | February 11, 2026 | https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/labor-standards/resources/documents-and-forms/ |
| File a Claim for Wages (Wyoming DWS) | February 11, 2026 | https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/labor-standards/file-a-claim-for-wages/ |
| U.S. Department of Labor — FLSA | February 11, 2026 | https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa |
| U.S. Department of Labor — Minimum Wage | February 11, 2026 | https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage |
| U.S. Department of Labor — Tipped Employees (Fact Sheet #15) | February 11, 2026 | https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/15-tipped-employees-flsa |