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Wyoming Labor Laws

Wyoming labor law primarily follows federal standards with minimal state-specific employment requirements. The state follows the federal minimum wage, does not require meal breaks, and has Right to Work protections.

Note: Wyoming follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour and relies on federal FLSA for most labor law requirements. The state has minimal additional labor law requirements beyond federal standards.

Minimum Wage

Wyoming follows the federal minimum wage with no state minimum wage law above federal levels.

Key Requirements

  • State minimum wage: $7.25 per hour (same as federal minimum)
  • Tipped employees: $2.13/hour cash wage (with tip credit to reach $7.25)
  • Applies to all employers regardless of size
  • Most employers are covered by federal FLSA
  • No scheduled increases beyond federal changes

Additional Resources

Overtime

Wyoming follows federal overtime requirements under the FLSA with no additional state requirements.

Key Requirements

  • Overtime pay: 1.5x regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek
  • No daily overtime requirement (calculated weekly)
  • Standard FLSA exemptions apply (executive, administrative, professional)
  • No state-specific overtime laws beyond federal requirements
  • Workweek is seven consecutive 24-hour periods

Additional Resources

Meal and Rest Breaks

Wyoming does not require employers to provide meal or rest breaks for employees of any age.

Key Requirements

  • No state law requiring meal breaks
  • No state law requiring rest breaks
  • No meal break requirement even for minors (unlike most states)
  • If breaks are voluntarily provided, federal rules apply
  • Short breaks (5-20 minutes) must be paid if provided
  • Nursing mothers have right to express milk (federal requirement)

Additional Resources

Payment of Wages

Wyoming has specific requirements for wage payment frequency and timing.

Key Requirements

  • Employees must be paid at least semi-monthly (twice per month)
  • Payment must be made on regular paydays designated by employer
  • Final wages: Must be paid by next regular payday or within 5 working days, whichever is sooner
  • Certain wage deductions require written authorization
  • Direct deposit allowed with employee written authorization

Additional Resources

Child Labor

Wyoming has restrictions on youth employment, primarily following federal law.

Key Requirements

  • Work permits may be required in certain situations
  • Ages 14-15: Limited to 3 hours per school day, 18 hours per week during school
  • Ages 14-15: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week when school not in session
  • Ages 16-17: No hour restrictions but hazardous occupation restrictions apply
  • Federal child labor laws apply

Additional Resources

Right to Work

Wyoming is a "Right to Work" state.

Key Requirements

  • Employees cannot be required to join a union as a condition of employment
  • Employers cannot require union dues or fees as a condition of employment
  • Protected by Wyoming Statutes Section 27-7-109
  • Does not prohibit unions or collective bargaining
  • Workers have freedom to choose whether to join or support a union

Additional Resources

Wyoming Right to Work

Wyoming is a Right to Work state:

  • Protected by Wyoming Statutes Section 27-7-109
  • Workers cannot be compelled to join a union or pay union dues
  • Union security agreements are prohibited

Federal Laws Apply

Since Wyoming has minimal state-specific labor laws, employers must focus on federal compliance:

FLSA

Fair Labor Standards Act governs minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and youth employment.

FMLA

Family and Medical Leave Act provides job-protected leave for eligible employees.

ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations.

Title VII

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Final Wage Payment

Wyoming requires prompt payment of final wages:

Final wages must be paid by the next regular payday or within 5 working days, whichever is sooner. This applies whether the employee quits or is discharged.

Minimal State Requirements

Wyoming is known for having minimal state labor regulations:

  • No state minimum wage above federal level
  • No meal or rest break requirements
  • No paid sick leave requirements
  • Employers must comply with federal FLSA and other federal laws

Ensure Federal Labor Compliance

Even in states with minimal additional requirements, Rightwork ensures your schedules comply with all federal labor laws including FLSA overtime, minimum wage, and child labor restrictions.

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