Wyoming Minimum Wage Laws: 2026 Complete Guide (Rates, Overtime & Calculators)

Wyoming’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2026, following the federal rate. The state’s official minimum wage of $5.15 per hour only applies to workers not covered by federal law, which represents less than 5% of the workforce. There are no scheduled increases for 2027 or beyond.

This creates a unique situation. Wyoming has one of the lowest state minimum wages in America, yet most workers earn the federal rate. Understanding which wage applies to your job matters for your paycheck and your rights.

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This guide covers everything about Wyoming’s minimum wage laws. You’ll learn about tipped wages, overtime rules, city-specific rates, and how to file complaints. We’ve included three free calculators to help you estimate your earnings, overtime pay, and wage theft recovery.

Calculate Your Earnings in Wyoming

Want to know exactly how much you’ll earn at Wyoming’s $7.25 minimum wage? Use our free calculator to estimate your weekly, monthly, and annual income based on your hours worked.

Calculator features:

• Automatic Wyoming wage rates for 2026
• Weekly, monthly, and annual earnings
• Overtime calculations
• Tax withholding estimates
• Take-home pay breakdown

Full calculator with all features: Minimum Wage Calculator

Questions about your wages or need legal help?

Email: [email protected]

What Is Wyoming's Minimum Wage in 2026?

Wyoming has two minimum wage rates. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies to most workers. The state minimum wage of $5.15 per hour only applies to workers not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Federal Minimum Wage: $7.25/Hour

The federal minimum wage covers approximately 95% of Wyoming workers. If your employer has $500,000 or more in annual sales or engages in interstate commerce, you earn $7.25 per hour minimum.

This rate hasn't changed since July 24, 2009. That's 17 years without an increase.

State Minimum Wage: $5.15/Hour

Wyoming Statute § 27-4-202 sets the state minimum wage at $5.15 per hour. This only applies to:

• Small businesses with annual sales under $500,000 (not engaged in interstate commerce)
• Certain agricultural workers
• Some family business employees

Most Wyoming workers never see this rate because federal law supersedes it.

Quick Comparison Table

Wyoming has no scheduled minimum wage increases for 2027 or future years.

Why Is Wyoming's Minimum Wage Only $5.15?

Wyoming adopted the federal minimum wage as its state standard decades ago. When Congress raised the federal rate to $7.25 in 2009, Wyoming's legislature never updated the state statute.

Five States Below Federal Minimum

Wyoming is one of only five states with a minimum wage below the federal level:

• Wyoming: $5.15
• Georgia: $5.15
• Louisiana: No state minimum wage
• Mississippi: No state minimum wage
• Tennessee: No state minimum wage

How State vs Federal Wages Work

Federal law supersedes state law when the federal rate is higher. If a worker is covered by FLSA, they earn $7.25. If they're not covered by FLSA, they earn $5.15.

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services confirms that nearly all workers qualify for federal coverage. Interstate commerce includes selling goods across state lines, using interstate telephone lines, or handling materials from out of state.

Political Landscape

Wyoming's legislature hasn't passed minimum wage increases due to:

• Political philosophy favoring federal over state wage mandates
• Business community opposition to wage increases
• Reliance on federal standards
• Lower cost of living in rural areas compared to tourist destinations

This stands in stark contrast to neighboring states like Colorado, where the 2026 minimum wage is $14.81 per hour.

Wyoming vs Neighboring States: 2026 Minimum Wage Comparison

Wyoming's $7.25 minimum wage is tied for lowest among its neighbors. Here's how Wyoming compares:

Wyoming is tied for lowest with Utah and Idaho. A worker in Colorado earning minimum wage makes $7.56 more per hour than a Wyoming worker. Over a year, that's $15,724.80 more in gross earnings.

Who Earns Minimum Wage in Wyoming?

Data from the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center at the University of Wyoming reveals important facts about low-wage workers in the state.

43,750 Low-Wage Workers in Wyoming

Over 175,000 Wyomingites work full-time. Of these, approximately 43,750 workers earn less than $15 per hour. That's more than one-quarter of the full-time workforce.

Demographics of Wyoming's Low-Wage Workers

Gender and Age:

• 53% are female
• 47% are male
• Median age (women): 37 years
• Median age (men): 33 years

More than half (52%) of low-wage workers are above age 35. This contradicts the common belief that minimum wage jobs are just "starter positions" for teenagers.

Family Status:

• 63% are parents
• 35% have one or more children under age 5
• Many are primary household earners

Race and Ethnicity:

• 12% Hispanic
• 10% People of color
• Significant representation in service industries

Education Level

Most low-wage workers have at least a high school diploma. Many have college experience.

Industries Employing Low-Wage Workers

• Retail trade
• Food service and hospitality
• Healthcare support
• Personal care services
• Agriculture

Impact of Wage Increases

According to Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center research:

Even a modest increase to $12 per hour would directly impact over 24,000 Wyoming families.

Tipped Workers and Server Wages in Wyoming

Wyoming follows federal tipped wage rules. The state allows employers to pay tipped employees a cash wage of $2.13 per hour.

Tipped Minimum Wage: $2.13/Hour

Wyoming servers, waitresses, bartenders, and other tipped employees can be paid a cash wage of $2.13 per hour. This is the federal tipped minimum wage set in 1991.

How Tip Credit Works

Employers can claim a "tip credit" of up to $5.12:

• Cash wage paid: $2.13/hour
• Tip credit: $5.12/hour
• Total must equal: $7.25/hour (federal minimum)

Critical rule: If tips don't bring earnings to $7.25 per hour, employers must pay the difference.

Who Qualifies as a Tipped Employee?

Wyoming law defines tipped employees as workers who regularly receive more than $30 per month in tips:

• Servers and waitresses
• Bartenders
• Bussers
• Food delivery drivers (in some cases)
• Hotel service staff
• Valets
• Hair stylists (in some settings)

Tipped Worker Rights in Wyoming

Tip Pooling: Employers can require tip pooling among customarily tipped employees. They cannot include managers or back-of-house staff who don't regularly receive tips.

Tip Ownership: Tips belong to employees. Employers cannot:

• Use tips for business expenses
• Keep any portion of tips (except valid tip pooling)
• Take tips to cover business losses
• Require tips be shared with managers

Minimum Wage Guarantee: You must always earn at least $7.25 per hour when combining cash wage plus tips. If your tips fall short in any workweek, your employer owes you the difference.

Record Keeping: Employers must maintain accurate records of:

• Cash wages paid
• Tips received
• Tip credits claimed
• Total compensation per pay period

City-Specific Tipped Wages

Jackson/Teton County: High tourism area with significant restaurant industry. Tipped workers often earn well above minimum due to tourist traffic. Still legally paid $2.13 per hour cash wage.

Cheyenne and Casper: Lower tip averages than Jackson. More likely for employers to need to make up the difference to reach $7.25.

Key difference: Wyoming allows tip credits, while states like California require employers to pay full minimum wage regardless of tips received.

City-Specific Minimum Wages in Wyoming

Unlike some states, Wyoming prohibits cities and counties from setting their own minimum wages higher than state or federal levels.

Cheyenne Minimum Wage

• Population: Approximately 65,000 (largest city)
• Minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal)
• No city-specific increase allowed
• Cost of living: Moderate (lower than Jackson)

Cheyenne cannot pass a local minimum wage ordinance. Workers in Wyoming's capital earn the same $7.25 as workers statewide.

Casper Minimum Wage

• Population: Approximately 58,000 (second-largest city)
• Minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal)
• No city-specific increase allowed
• Cost of living: Similar to Cheyenne

Jackson Minimum Wage

• Population: Approximately 10,000
• Minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal)
• No city-specific increase allowed
• Cost of living: Highest in Wyoming

The paradox: Jackson/Teton County has the highest cost of living in Wyoming. The Economic Policy Institute ranked Teton County as the most income-unequal county in America. Yet the city cannot set a higher minimum wage.

Service workers in Jackson earn $7.25 per hour while serving billionaires and millionaires. Median home prices in Teton County exceed $2.5 million. Many workers commute 30-60 minutes from Idaho to afford housing.

Laramie Minimum Wage

• Home to University of Wyoming
• Minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal)
• Large student workforce
• No local wage authority

Why Can't Wyoming Cities Raise Minimum Wage?

Wyoming state law preempts local minimum wage ordinances. This means:

• Cities cannot pass higher minimum wages
• Counties cannot set living wage requirements
• Only the state legislature can change Wyoming's minimum wage

This contrasts sharply with Colorado, where cities like Denver have higher local minimums. Wyoming follows the same approach as Idaho and Utah.

Living Wage vs Minimum Wage in Wyoming

A living wage is the hourly rate needed to afford basic necessities. Wyoming's minimum wage falls far short of the living wage in every county.

What Is a Living Wage?

A living wage covers:

• Housing (rent or mortgage)
• Food
• Healthcare
• Transportation
• Childcare
• Taxes
• Basic necessities

The MIT Living Wage Calculator and Wyoming Women's Foundation Self-Sufficiency Calculator track these costs county by county.

Wyoming Living Wage Calculator Results

A single adult needs $14.63 per hour just to meet basic needs. Wyoming's minimum wage of $7.25 covers only half of that.

County-by-County Living Wage Variations

Teton County (Jackson):

• Living wage (single adult): Approximately $22-25/hour
• Highest cost of living in Wyoming
• Housing costs drive up requirements significantly

Albany County (Laramie):

• Living wage (single adult): Approximately $14-16/hour
• University town with moderate costs
• Student housing affects market

Laramie County (Cheyenne):

• Living wage (single adult): Approximately $13-15/hour
• State capital with moderate costs
• More affordable than tourist areas

Rural Counties:

• Living wage (single adult): Approximately $12-14/hour
• Lower housing costs
• Transportation costs higher due to distance

The Growing Gap

According to Wyoming A&I Economic Analysis Division, Wyoming's cost of living continues to rise across the state. Housing costs increased significantly in tourist areas. Rural areas remain more affordable than urban centers, but still exceed minimum wage coverage.

The gap for a single adult:

• Federal minimum wage: $7.25/hour ($15,080/year full-time)
• Average Wyoming living wage: Approximately $15/hour ($31,200/year)
• Annual shortfall: $16,120+

For families with children, the gap is catastrophic. A single parent with one child earning minimum wage falls nearly $47,000 short of meeting basic needs.

Wyoming Overtime Laws and Rules

Wyoming follows federal overtime rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employers must pay 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

Calculate Your Overtime Pay in Wyoming

Working more than 40 hours per week? Calculate your overtime earnings based on Wyoming's overtime laws. This calculator accounts for Wyoming's specific overtime rules and federal requirements.

Calculator features:

• Wyoming-specific overtime rules
• Weekly overtime calculations
• Pay period breakdowns
• Comparison with federal law
• Annual overtime projections

Full overtime calculator: Overtime Pay Calculator

Questions about your wages or need legal help?

Email: [email protected]

Overtime Pay Rate: 1.5x Regular Wage

Wyoming employers must pay 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a single workweek.

Key points:

• No daily overtime requirement (unlike California)
• No double-time provisions
• 7th consecutive day work does not trigger automatic overtime
• Calculated weekly, not daily

Calculating Overtime Pay Examples

Example 1: Minimum Wage Worker

• Regular rate: $7.25/hour
• Overtime rate: $10.88/hour
• 50 hours worked = 40 regular + 10 overtime
• Earnings: (40 × $7.25) + (10 × $10.88) = $398.80

Example 2: Higher Wage Worker

• Regular rate: $15/hour
• Overtime rate: $22.50/hour
• 50 hours worked = 40 regular + 10 overtime
• Earnings: (40 × $15) + (10 × $22.50) = $825

Example 3: Tipped Worker

• Cash wage: $2.13/hour
• Tips bring total to: $12/hour average
• Overtime calculation based on: $12/hour (regular rate)
• Overtime rate: $18/hour
• Employer can credit tips against overtime obligation

Overtime Exemptions

Not all employees qualify for overtime pay. Wyoming follows federal FLSA exemptions.

Exempt Employees (No Overtime Required):

Critical point: To be exempt, employees must meet BOTH the salary threshold AND duties test. Simply being "salaried" doesn't automatically mean exempt from overtime.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Wyoming employers must maintain records showing:

• Hours worked each workday and workweek
• Total daily and weekly straight-time earnings
• Regular hourly pay rate
• Total overtime earnings
• All additions and deductions from wages
• Total wages paid each period
• Date of payment and pay period covered

Records must be kept for at least three years. Pay stubs and wage records must be kept for at least two years.

Wyoming-Specific Overtime Rules

Wyoming generally follows federal FLSA rules without additional state overtime requirements. This means:

• No daily overtime (Some states require overtime after 8 hours in a day)
• No double-time provisions (Some states require double-time after 12 hours or on 7th day)
• No meal period overtime (Some states have specific meal break overtime rules)

Wyoming's approach matches Utah and Idaho. It differs significantly from Colorado, which requires daily overtime after 12 hours.

Exemptions and Special Cases in Wyoming

Certain workers and situations have different minimum wage rules in Wyoming.

Workers NOT Covered by Federal Minimum Wage

Small Business Exemption: Businesses with annual sales under $500,000 that are not engaged in interstate commerce may pay Wyoming's state minimum of $5.15 instead of the federal $7.25.

Interstate commerce includes:

• Selling goods across state lines
• Using interstate telephone, internet, or mail systems
• Handling materials from outside Wyoming
• Providing services to interstate businesses

Most businesses engage in interstate commerce, even if they don't realize it.

Agricultural Workers

Some farm workers are exempt from minimum wage requirements. Exemptions depend on:

• Employer size
• Type of agricultural work
• Hours worked
• Family relationship to employer

Seasonal agricultural workers may have different rules. The Fair Labor Standards Act provides specific agricultural exemptions.

Family Business Exemptions

Employees who are immediate family members in certain small business contexts may be exempt from minimum wage requirements. This typically applies to:

• Parents employing their children
• Spouses employed by spouse-owned business
• Very small family-operated businesses

Youth Minimum Wage

Federal Youth Wage: $4.25/Hour

Employers may pay $4.25 per hour to workers under age 20 for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After 90 days, they must pay full minimum wage of $7.25.

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Critical restrictions:

• Cannot displace other workers to hire youth at lower wage
• Cannot reduce hours of existing employees
• Must pay $7.25 after 90-day period

Wyoming does not have additional youth wage provisions beyond federal law.

Training Wage Programs

Wyoming follows federal training wage provisions:

Subminimum Wage for Workers with Disabilities

Under Section 14(c) of FLSA, employers can apply for a certificate to pay below minimum wage to workers whose disabilities impair productivity. This requires:

• Approval from U.S. Department of Labor
• Documentation of disability and productivity impact
• Regular reviews and wage adjustments

Important note: This practice is controversial and being phased out in many states. Wyoming still allows it under federal guidelines, but usage is declining.

Wyoming Minimum Wage History (2014-2026)

Wyoming's minimum wage has remained stagnant while the cost of living increased. Here's the complete history:

Key Insights from Historical Data

Federal Minimum Wage: The federal minimum wage was last increased on July 24, 2009. That's 17 years without an increase as of 2026. This represents the longest period without a federal minimum wage increase in modern history.

Purchasing Power Loss: Workers earning minimum wage in 2026 have lost approximately 20% of their purchasing power compared to 2009. The $7.25 minimum wage in 2009 equals roughly $10.50 in 2026 dollars when adjusted for inflation.

Wyoming State Minimum: Wyoming's state minimum wage has remained at $5.15 for decades. There has been no legislative movement for increases. The rate is effectively irrelevant due to federal coverage of most workers.

Cost of Living Increases: While minimum wage remained flat, Wyoming's cost of living increased significantly:

• Housing costs up 30-50% in many areas
• Healthcare costs increased substantially
• Food and transportation costs rose with inflation
• Childcare costs grew faster than inflation

Income Inequality in Wyoming

Wyoming faces extreme income inequality, particularly in Teton County. This inequality directly impacts minimum wage workers.

Teton County: Most Unequal County in America

According to the Economic Policy Institute (2016-2018 data):

Shocking Statistics:

• Teton County ranked #1 most income-unequal county in the United States
• Top 1% earn an average of $28.2 million per year
• Bottom 99% earn an average of $58,000 per year
• Income ratio: 486 to 1

What this means: For every dollar earned by the bottom 99%, the top 1% earns $486.

Wyoming Statewide Income Inequality

Wyoming ranked among the top 5 most income-unequal states in the U.S. as of 2018.

Wealthiest 1% vs Everyone Else:

• Top 1% in Wyoming make 31 times more than all other earners
• Income fell by 2% for most Wyomingites between 2009-2013
• Income increased by 55% for wealthiest 1% in same period

Why This Matters for Minimum Wage

The connection:

1. Rising cost of living driven by wealthy residents (especially Jackson/Teton)
2. Stagnant wages for service workers supporting the tourist economy
3. Housing crisis in high-cost areas (workers cannot afford to live where they work)
4. Economic segregation between wealthy and working class

Jackson example: Billionaires and millionaires drive up property values. Service workers in restaurants, hotels, and ski resorts earn $7.25-12/hour. Median home price in Teton County exceeds $2.5 million. Many workers commute 30-60+ minutes from Idaho to afford housing.

Impact on Low-Wage Workers

With 43,750 Wyoming workers earning under $15/hour:

• Unable to afford housing in areas where they work
• Rely on public assistance despite full-time employment
• Face impossible choice: work in high-cost tourist areas or leave
• Experience growing economic stress

Public Assistance Statistics:

• Many minimum wage workers qualify for SNAP (food stamps)
• Medicaid coverage common among low-wage families
• Housing assistance waitlists span years
• Working poor cannot escape poverty despite full-time work

How to File a Wage Complaint in Wyoming

If your employer violates wage laws, you have the right to file a complaint. Here's how to protect yourself.

Calculate Your Wage Theft Recovery in Wyoming

Think your employer owes you money? Use our wage theft calculator to estimate how much you could recover, including unpaid wages, penalties, and interest under Wyoming law.

Calculator features:

• Multiple violation types (unpaid wages, overtime, tips)
• Wyoming-specific penalties and damages
• Filing deadline tracker
• Total recovery estimate
• Next steps guidance

Full wage theft calculator: Wage Theft Calculator

Need help with unpaid wages? Contact Wyoming Department of Workforce Services or consult with an employment attorney.

Questions about your wages or need legal help?

Email: [email protected]

When to File a Complaint

File a wage complaint if your employer:

• Pays less than minimum wage ($7.25/hour for most workers)
• Fails to pay overtime (1.5x after 40 hours)
• Doesn't make up the difference for tipped workers
• Withholds final paycheck
• Makes illegal deductions from wages
• Violates wage payment timing requirements
• Retaliates against you for asking about wages

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services

Contact Information:

• Phone: (307) 777-7261
• Website: dws.wyo.gov
• Address: Wyoming Department of Workforce Services 122 West 25th Street Herschler Building 2-East Cheyenne, WY 82002

Filing Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Documentation

• Pay stubs showing wages paid
• Time records or timesheets
• Work schedule
• Employment contract or offer letter
• Records of hours worked
• Text messages or emails with employer
• Witness statements if available

Step 2: File Complaint

• Contact Wyoming Department of Workforce Services
• Complete wage claim form
• Submit all supporting documentation
• Provide detailed description of violation
• Include dates, amounts, and specific issues

Step 3: Investigation

• Department investigates your claim
• May request additional information
• Employer is notified and given chance to respond
• Timeline: Typically 30-90 days

Step 4: Resolution

• If violation found: Employer ordered to pay back wages
• Interest and penalties may apply
• If no violation: Claim dismissed
• You can appeal if you disagree with outcome

Federal Department of Labor Option

For FLSA violations, you can also file with the U.S. Department of Labor:

• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
• Phone: 1-866-4-USWAGE (1-866-487-9243)
• Website: dol.gov/agencies/whd

Critical Deadlines

Don't wait to file. The statute of limitations begins when the violation occurs, not when you discover it.

Protections Against Retaliation

It is illegal for employers to:

• Fire you for filing a wage complaint
• Reduce your hours or pay
• Demote you
• Threaten or intimidate you
• Create a hostile work environment
• Blacklist you from other jobs

If retaliation occurs: File an additional retaliation complaint immediately. Retaliation violations can result in:

• Reinstatement to your job
• Back pay for lost wages
• Damages for emotional distress
• Attorney's fees

Legal Assistance Resources

Free Resources:

• Wyoming State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (307) 632-9061
• Legal Aid of Wyoming: (307) 777-7905
• Wyoming Department of Workforce Services: (307) 777-7261

When to hire an attorney:

• Large amounts of unpaid wages (over $5,000)
• Complex calculations involving overtime or tips
• Employer retaliated against you
• Multiple violations
• Class action potential (multiple employees affected)

Frequently Asked Questions About Wyoming Minimum Wage

What is the minimum wage in Wyoming for 2026?

Quick Answer: Wyoming's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour for most workers in 2026, following the federal minimum wage. The state minimum wage of $5.15 only applies to workers not covered by federal law.

This federal rate applies to approximately 95% of Wyoming's workforce. Workers at businesses with $500,000+ in annual sales or engaged in interstate commerce earn $7.25 minimum.

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What is the tipped minimum wage in Wyoming?

Quick Answer: Tipped employees in Wyoming can be paid a cash wage of $2.13 per hour, provided their tips bring total earnings to at least $7.25 per hour.

If tips don't reach this threshold, employers must make up the difference. Employers must track tips and ensure every pay period meets the $7.25 minimum.

Will Wyoming's minimum wage increase in 2026 or 2027?

Quick Answer: No. Wyoming has no scheduled minimum wage increases for 2026, 2027, or any future year.

The wage remains tied to the federal minimum of $7.25, which hasn't increased since 2009. Unless Congress raises the federal minimum wage, Wyoming's minimum wage will stay at $7.25.

Why is Wyoming's minimum wage so low?

Quick Answer: Wyoming's state minimum wage of $5.15 is a remnant from when the state adopted the federal minimum wage decades ago. When the federal rate increased to $7.25 in 2009, Wyoming's legislature never updated the state statute.

However, the federal $7.25 applies to nearly all workers, making the $5.15 rate largely symbolic. Wyoming's legislature has not passed state minimum wage increases due to political philosophy and business community opposition.

Can Wyoming cities set their own minimum wage?

Quick Answer: No. Wyoming law prohibits cities and counties from establishing minimum wages higher than the state or federal level.

Cities like Cheyenne, Casper, and Jackson cannot pass local minimum wage ordinances. This differs from states like Colorado, where cities can set higher rates.

What is a livable wage in Wyoming?

Quick Answer: A single adult in Wyoming needs approximately $14.63 per hour to cover basic living expenses, more than double the current minimum wage of $7.25.

In expensive areas like Teton County, the living wage can exceed $22-25/hour. Families with children need significantly more to meet basic needs.

What is overtime pay in Wyoming?

Quick Answer: Overtime pay in Wyoming is 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. For minimum wage workers, this equals $10.88/hour.

Wyoming follows federal FLSA rules without additional state overtime requirements. There is no daily overtime (unlike some states that require overtime after 8 hours in a day).

How do I calculate my earnings at Wyoming minimum wage?

Quick Answer: Use our minimum wage calculator to estimate your weekly, monthly, and annual earnings at Wyoming's $7.25 minimum wage.

For a quick calculation: $7.25/hour × 40 hours/week × 52 weeks/year = $15,080 annual gross income before taxes.

How much overtime pay am I entitled to in Wyoming?

Quick Answer: Use our overtime pay calculator to calculate your Wyoming overtime earnings based on your regular hourly rate and hours worked.

Overtime rate = Regular rate × 1.5. For example, if you earn $12/hour, overtime is $18/hour for all hours over 40 in a workweek.

How do I calculate wage theft recovery in Wyoming?

Quick Answer: Use our wage theft calculator to estimate unpaid wages, penalties, and interest under Wyoming law.

The calculator accounts for different violation types including unpaid minimum wages, overtime violations, withheld tips, and illegal deductions.

Who is exempt from minimum wage in Wyoming?

Quick Answer: Very few workers are exempt from the federal $7.25 minimum wage. Exemptions include employees of very small businesses (under $500,000 annual sales, not in interstate commerce), certain agricultural workers, some family business employees, and workers with disabilities (with special DOL certification).

Most employers must pay at least $7.25/hour to all workers.

What is the minimum wage in Cheyenne, Wyoming?

Quick Answer: Cheyenne follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The city cannot set a higher local minimum wage due to Wyoming state law restrictions.

This applies to all of Wyoming's cities. Unlike Colorado, Wyoming doesn't allow local minimum wage ordinances.

What is the minimum wage in Jackson, Wyoming?

Quick Answer: Jackson (Teton County) follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, despite having the highest cost of living in Wyoming.

Jackson cannot set a higher local minimum wage. Service workers earning $7.25/hour often cannot afford housing in Teton County, where median home prices exceed $2.5 million.

How does Wyoming's minimum wage compare to neighboring states?

Quick Answer: Wyoming's $7.25 minimum wage is tied for lowest among its neighbors with Utah and Idaho. Montana's minimum wage is $10.55, Colorado's is $14.81, South Dakota's is $11.50, and Nebraska's is $13.50.

See our comparison guides for Montana, Colorado, South Dakota, and Nebraska minimum wage laws.

Can employers pay less than minimum wage in Wyoming?

Quick Answer: Only in very limited circumstances: tipped employees ($2.13/hour cash wage, must reach $7.25 with tips), youth under 20 ($4.25/hour for first 90 days), some small business/agricultural exemptions, and workers with disabilities (with DOL certification).

Most employers must pay at least $7.25/hour.

How do I file a wage complaint in Wyoming?

Quick Answer: Contact the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services at (307) 777-7261 or visit dws.wyo.gov to file a wage complaint.

You can also file with the U.S. Department of Labor at 1-866-487-9243. File within 2 years of the violation (3 years for willful violations).

What is the cost of living in Wyoming?

Quick Answer: Wyoming's cost of living varies significantly by region. Teton County (Jackson) has very high costs among the most expensive in the U.S. Cheyenne and Casper have moderate costs. Rural areas are below the national average.

The Wyoming Cost of Living Index shows costs have risen across the state, creating a growing gap between minimum wage ($7.25) and actual living expenses.

Does Wyoming have equal pay laws?

Quick Answer: Yes. Wyoming Equal Pay Act prohibits wage discrimination based on sex for equal work.

Employees performing substantially similar work must receive equal pay regardless of gender. Violations can result in back pay and penalties.

What is a good wage in Wyoming?

Quick Answer: A "good wage" depends on location and family size. For a single adult, $15-20/hour minimum to live comfortably. For families with children, $25-35+/hour combined household income. In Teton County, $30-40+/hour needed due to extreme housing costs.

The median household income in Wyoming is approximately $65,000/year (roughly $31/hour for full-time work).

How much is $7.25 an hour annually?

Quick Answer: Working full-time (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) at $7.25/hour equals $15,080 annual gross income. After taxes, take-home pay is approximately $12,365 per year or $1,030 per month.

This is below the federal poverty line for a family of two ($19,720 in 2026).

Conclusion

Wyoming's minimum wage of $7.25 per hour in 2026 remains unchanged from 2009. The state's official minimum wage of $5.15 per hour only applies to less than 5% of workers not covered by federal law.

Key takeaways:

• Current minimum: $7.25/hour (federal)
• Tipped minimum: $2.13/hour cash wage
• No scheduled increases for 2027 or beyond
• Living wage: $14-25+/hour depending on location
• Cities cannot set higher local minimums
• 43,750 Wyoming workers earn less than $15/hour

Wyoming faces significant challenges with income inequality, especially in Teton County. The gap between minimum wage and living wage continues to grow as costs rise but wages remain stagnant.

Use our three free calculators to understand how Wyoming's wages affect your earnings. Calculate your minimum wage income, overtime pay, and potential wage theft recovery. If your employer violates wage laws, contact the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services at (307) 777-7261.

For workers considering relocation, neighboring states like Montana ($10.55/hour), Colorado ($14.81/hour), South Dakota ($11.50/hour), and Nebraska ($13.50/hour) offer higher minimum wages and annual cost-of-living adjustments.

Sources: Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, U.S. Department of Labor, Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (University of Wyoming), Economic Policy Institute, MIT Living Wage Calculator, Fair Labor Standards Act, Wyoming Statute § 27-4-202

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