Wyoming Minimum Wage 2026: $5.15 State Rate, $7.25 Federal

Wyoming law sets the minimum wage at $5.15 per hour (W.S. 27-4-202(a)), but the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services says most workers must be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. If you are covered by the FLSA, $7.25 is the rate that applies, because the higher standard controls.

Information last verified on September 28, 2026. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This page covers the Wyoming Minimum Wage Act (W.S. 27-4-201 to 27-4-204) and the federal FLSA that sets the rate for most Wyoming workers. It does not cover overtime detail, Wyoming's wage payment rules, or any other state.

Wyoming's $5.15 rate and the federal $7.25

W.S. 27-4-202(a) requires every employer to pay each employee wages at a rate of not less than $5.15 per hour. That figure is fixed in the statute with no indexing. The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) explains the practical result: "Wyoming law sets the minimum wage at $5.15 per hour, but most workers must be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour."

The reason is federal coverage. The FLSA applies to employees of enterprises with at least $500,000 in annual sales or business done, and to employees of smaller firms who are engaged in interstate commerce or the production of goods for commerce (DOL FAQ; 29 U.S.C. 203(s)(1)(A)). It also covers employees of hospitals, schools and government agencies (DOL FAQ). Under 29 U.S.C. 218(a), the higher standard controls. A worker who is not covered by the FLSA may be left with the state figure, subject to the state act's exclusions. Read more on our federal minimum wage page.

Is there a 2027 change?

The statute contains no scheduled step and no indexing, and the DWS FAQ still stated $5.15 state and $7.25 federal when this page was verified. The federal rate changes only if Congress passes a bill and the President signs it.

Tipped employees in Wyoming

W.S. 27-4-202(b) allows employers of tipped employees to pay a cash wage of not less than $2.13 per hour, as long as the cash wage plus tips received during a given pay period equal at least the minimum wage in subsection (a), which is $5.15. If they fall short, the employer pays the difference. The statute defines a tipped employee as one who customarily and regularly receives more than $30 a month in tips, and tipped employees furnish monthly records of their tips.

For FLSA-covered employers, the federal table applies: $2.13 cash wage, a $5.12 maximum tip credit, and a $7.25 combined wage (DOL tipped table). For FLSA-covered workers, cash wage plus tips must reach $7.25. Employers may not keep employees' tips (29 U.S.C. 203(m)(2)(B)).

Youth rate and who the Wyoming act excludes

Under W.S. 27-4-202(c), an employee under 20 may be paid not less than $4.25 per hour during the first 90 consecutive days of employment, without displacing other workers. The FLSA has a parallel youth wage in 29 U.S.C. 206(g).

The state definition of employee in W.S. 27-4-201(a)(iv) excludes agriculture, domestic service in a private home, bona fide executive, administrative and professional employees, employees of the United States, the state or a political subdivision, certain educational, charitable, religious and nonprofit relationships, outside salespeople paid solely on commission, and ambulance or vehicle drivers on call. Federal exemptions in 29 U.S.C. 213 are separate and differ.

Local minimum wages

The sources reviewed for this page do not address local minimum wage ordinances in Wyoming, so this page takes no position on them.

How to file a wage claim in Wyoming

Wyoming DWS says a worker files a wage claim online through the Labor Standards office; the DWS wage claim page has the form. DWS does not say in the material reviewed whether that process covers minimum wage claims specifically, so ask Labor Standards when you file. DWS says a claim filed with the state generally must be filed within two years from the date the wages were due (DWS older claims page).

Under W.S. 27-4-204(a), an employer is liable in a civil action for the unpaid minimum wage, and the employee may recover with reasonable attorney fees and costs. DWS's employer FAQ says no direct penalties apply to a minimum wage violation, but the employee may sue to recover unpaid wages with fees and costs.

For FLSA-covered workers, DOL's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints at 1-866-487-9243. An employer that violates the federal minimum wage owes unpaid wages plus an equal amount as liquidated damages (29 U.S.C. 216(b)). A federal suit generally must start within two years, or three for a willful violation (29 U.S.C. 255(a)), and 29 U.S.C. 215(a)(3) bars retaliation for filing an FLSA complaint. See also Wyoming final paycheck laws and unpaid wages.

Disclaimer: This page is general legal information, not legal advice. It covers the Wyoming Minimum Wage Act and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as verified on September 28, 2026. For a specific pay situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Wyoming or the state labor agency.

Related pages

• Federal minimum wage rules
• Wyoming final paycheck laws
• Wyoming at-will employment laws
• Unpaid wages and how to claim them
• Overtime calculator

Last updated: September 28, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Wyoming?

Wyoming's statute sets $5.15 per hour (W.S. 27-4-202(a)), but Wyoming DWS says most workers must be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

Why is Wyoming's minimum wage $5.15 but I am paid $7.25?

The FLSA sets $7.25 for employees it covers, and the higher standard applies (29 U.S.C. 218(a)). Most Wyoming workers are FLSA-covered, per DWS.

Will Wyoming's minimum wage change in 2027?

The statute has no scheduled increase. The federal rate changes only if Congress enacts a new rate.

What is the Wyoming tipped minimum wage?

The state act allows a $2.13 cash wage if the cash wage plus tips received in a pay period equal at least the state minimum of $5.15, for employees who customarily receive more than $30 a month in tips (W.S. 27-4-202(b)). The federal cash wage is also $2.13, but for FLSA-covered workers cash wage plus tips must reach $7.25.

Can Wyoming employers pay teens less than the minimum wage?

An employee under 20 may be paid not less than $4.25 per hour for the first 90 consecutive days of employment, without displacing other workers (W.S. 27-4-202(c)).

Can I sue for unpaid minimum wage in Wyoming?

Yes. W.S. 27-4-204(a) makes the employer liable in a civil action for the unpaid minimum wage, with reasonable attorney fees and costs.

How do I file a Wyoming wage claim?

DWS says to submit an online wage claim through the Labor Standards office. If you are FLSA-covered you can also call the U.S. Department of Labor at 1-866-487-9243.