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Wyoming Statewide Rule

Wyoming Minimum Wage Local Preemption

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Wyoming (2026)

Key Facts

State Minimum
State minimum wage $5.15 under W.S. 27-4-202
Federal $7.25
Federal $7.25 controls for FLSA-covered workers
Tipped Wage
Tipped wage $2.13 with tip credit
Local Higher
No local higher minimum wage permitted
Wyoming Department
Wyoming Department of Workforce Services enforces state law
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Wyoming Legislature

Summary

Wyoming sets a statewide minimum wage and preempts cities and counties from enacting higher local minimum wages, ensuring uniform pay floor rules across the state.

27-4-202. Minimum wage rates. (a) Every employer shall pay to each of his or her employees wages at a rate of not less than five dollars and fifteen cents ($5.15) per hour. (b) Effective April 1, 2001 and thereafter, all employers who employ tipped employees shall not pay less than two dollars and thirteen cents ($2.13) per hour to his tipped employees. Provided further, if the wage paid by the employer combined with the tips received by the employee during a given pay period does not equal at least the applicable minimum wage as prescribed in subsection (a) of this section, the employer shall pay the difference to the tipped employee.

Source: Wyoming LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under W.S. 27-4-202, Wyoming establishes a state minimum wage of $5.15 per hour, with the federal minimum of $7.25 controlling for most covered workers under the FLSA. Wyoming law does not authorize local governments to enact a higher minimum wage; the state's labor standards framework occupies the field of wage rate regulation. Tipped employees may be paid $2.13 per hour with tip credit consistent with federal law. Local authorities may not require employers to pay above-state minimum wages or impose local payroll mandates.

Violations & Penalties

Employers paying below applicable federal or state minimums face back-wage liability, liquidated damages, and civil penalties under FLSA enforcement; local ordinances setting higher minimums are unenforceable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cheyenne raise its minimum wage above $7.25?
No, Wyoming's wage statute and absence of enabling authority preempt local minimum wage hikes.
Which minimum wage applies to most workers?
The federal $7.25 minimum applies to FLSA-covered employees, controlling over the $5.15 state floor.

Sources

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