Wyoming Minimum Wage Fact Sheet
From the Equality State Policy Center. See more at www.equalitystate.org.
The Bare Facts
Wyoming’s minimum wage has not been raised
since 2001 and currently stands at $5.15/hour. The
federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour takes
precedence, however, when it is higher than a state
minimum wage and an employer engages in interstate
commerce. About one-third of Wyoming workers are
not covered by the federal law. A 2009 Bureau of
Labor Standards survey showed 8,000 workers in the
state make at or below the federal minimum wage.
At the Wyoming minimum wage of $5.15 per
hour, a full-time worker’s annual income is $10,712,
below the federal poverty level of $10,890 for a single
person household. Even at the federal minimum
wage, a full-time job does not provide a selfsufficiency income for one person in Wyoming and for
a two-person household (adult and child) is still below
the federal poverty level of $14,710. Further, two
people working full-time at the federal minimum wage
cannot earn enough to support a family.
For tipped employees the situation is even worse,
with a Wyoming minimum wage of $2.13 per hour
coupled with a “tip offset” that requires the employer
to meet the $5.15 or $7.25 per hour wage if tips are
insufficient. (If an employer accepts a credit card, that
is interstate commerce and the federal minimum
applies.) Unfortunately, there is no enforcement of
this requirement and it is difficult to determine how
many violations of this occur, other than by anecdotal
evidence.
The state could raise its minimum wage above the
federal wage. Many states have done this. Washington
state currently has the highest minimum wage in the
nation at $9.04.
Minimum Wage Myths (and Truths)
1.
Raising the minimum wage will increase unemployment.
False. According to a study from the University of California at Berkeley, researchers found no
relationship between raising the minimum wage and a rise in unemployment
(www.irle.berkeley.edu/workingpapers/157-07.pdf). In fact, according to the Fiscal Policy Institute, states with
higher minimum wages had stronger employment trends than other states.
2. The minimum wage is holding us back from recovery.
False. The minimum wage was enacted during the Great Depression specifically to promote
economic recovery. Further, the long-term drop in buying power of American workers is in large part
responsible for our current economic recession. We need an economy that is fueled by rising wages and
productive investment, which a minimum wage can ensure.
3. Most people who earn minimum wage are teenagers who live with their parents and who need “fun”
money.
False. In the U.S. overall, three of four minimum wage workers are 20 or older and most have high
school degrees, including seven percent with bachelor’s degrees or higher.
3. Many people support keeping or raising the minimum wage.
TRUE. Polls conducted in many states where raising the minimum wage was on the ballot or an issue
in the legislature show large majorities in support of raising the minimum wage.
4. The minimum wage, especially raising it, will hurt local businesses who cannot afford to pay more.
False. Businesses and business groups around the country, including the U.S. Women’s Chamber of
Commerce and the CEO of Costco, know the value of paying employees well. They, along with thousands of
others, signed onto a statement several years ago to raise the Federal minimum from $5.15 to $7.25. Most
recently, business owners in Maryland signed onto a statement that, in part, said, “A higher minimum wage
makes good sense for our Maryland economy. It puts money in the hands of the people who will put it right back
into local businesses.” Read more:
www.businessforafairminimumwage.org/news/00160/maryland-business-owners-endorse-minimum-wageincrease-strong-wage-floor-vital-maryland’s.
Wyoming Minimum Wage Fact Sheet
What does this mean to you?
ESPC believes that everyone should have the
opportunity to earn a decent wage. The minimum
wage ensures (or should ensure) that everyone who
works can afford to meet their basic requirements,
including adequate shelter, food, heat,
transportation, education, and clothing.
A minimum wage sets the wage floor for
everyone. We all benefit when the lowest-wage
workers make enough to afford the basic necessities
of life. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
What can you do to make a difference?
1. Join the conversation. You can track the
ongoing discussion in the state using the
information and links below.
2. Write Letters to the Editor. This is a
very easy way to let legislators know what you’re
thinking AND to get others thinking about the
issues that are important to you. Check out our
Letter to the Editor Kit on our website.
3. Write to your legislator. You can find
your state Senator and Representative’s addresses
on the LegisWeb site at legisweb.state.wy.us.
especially if you rely on tips to make your living –
we want to talk to you! We want to start a statewide conversation about the importance of the
minimum wage and how it needs to be enforced.
5. Learn more about the issue. There is a
lot of disinformation about the minimum wage. A
good resource is “A Just Minimum Wage: Good for
Workers, Business, and Our Future” by Holly Sklar
and The Rev. Dr. Paul H. Sherry. You can download
this for free at
letjusticeroll.org/sites/default/files/resources/AJustMinimumWa
ge.pdf.
4. Talk to us. If you’re a business owner or
someone who works for minimum wage – and
How can you keep track of this discussion?
Watch for more information from ESPC on this issue. We have added a page to our web site, and will send
out updates throughout 2012. Go to www.equalitystate.org for updated information.
Join our email list and get updates and links when we have information and materials available online.