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The state of Wyoming’s labor laws are meant to protect both employees and employers by establishing clear, fair workplace rules and regulations. The range of issues covered under employment and labor laws includes wages and hours, health and safety, employee benefits, and worker rights.
Overall, Wyoming labor laws place employees somewhere in the neutral-middle without too much additional flexibility provided to an employer compared to other states, despite this being their approach under labor laws.
In this article, let’s check what can be covered in labor laws in Wyoming.
Standard Working Hours
True to its reputation as a state with no income tax, Wyoming maintains a largely hands-off approach to employment regulations. The state generally follows federal labor standards when it comes to time off, wage requirements, recordkeeping, and overtime.
Minimum Wages
The state minimum wage in Wyoming is $5.15 an hour, which is less than the federal minimum wage. Yet, most Wyoming employees are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), so they are allowed to work for $7.25 an hour as the federal minimum wage.
The state lacks a youth minimum wage statute of its own. Alternatively, Wyoming employers can use federal law, which permits paying youths under age 20 $4.25 per hour for their first 90 consecutive days of work.
Some employees are exempted from the federal minimum wage requirement by FLSA regulations. These exemptions usually apply to:
- Agricultural workers.
- Outside sales employees.
- Seasonal employees in amusement or recreational establishments.
In short, although Wyoming’s minimum wage is below the federal level, nearly all employees are still protected by federal wage laws, making for equitable pay throughout the state.
Overtime Laws
Wyoming lacks a state law requiring overtime compensation for private employers. Most companies in the state comply with the federal overtime regulations as set forth under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Based on the federal standards, qualifying employees must be paid one and a half times their standard rate for every hour worked over 40 within a standard workweek.
Technically, Wyoming itself does not provide additional overtime legislation, but federal law guarantees that most workers are fairly compensated for working extra hours.
Tipped Minimum Wages
Tipped workers in Wyoming are covered under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations, which provide a minimum cash wage of $2.13 per hour. The employers can exercise a tip credit of a maximum of $5.12 per hour; that is, they can use a portion of an employee’s tips earned to satisfy the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Meal And Rest Breaks
The state doesnt have any Wyoming labor laws on breaks in place to force employers to offer a meal or break time. Hence, most companies follow the standards set by the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) instead.
Under the FLSA, there is no requirement for breaks. If an employer allows short breaks (usually 5 to 20 minutes), then they must treat that time as paid time worked. For breaks that exceed 30 minutes, the employee does not need to be paid, so long as the employee is completely relieved of their responsibilities.
Leave Laws
A leave of absence enables employees to be away from work but still have the status of being employed. Wyoming generally conforms to federal policy on most forms of leave and has a few state provisions for protecting workers during some absences.
| Type of Leave | Details |
| Voting Leave | Wyoming employees have the right to be paid for up to one hour off to vote, as long as they are not within three consecutive hours before or after their workday when the polls are open. |
| Jury Duty Leave | Employers do not have the right to threaten, intimidate, or fire employees who conduct jury duty.
At the conclusion of their service, employees must be restored to their job with the same seniority and benefits. Leave for jury duty is without pay, but for the entire period of service. |
| Military Leave | Under the Wyoming Military Relief Service Act, employees can take leave without pay to serve with the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or the Public Health Service.
They are entitled to be reinstated in their jobs within 10 days of applying to resume, without loss of seniority. |
| Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) | Wyoming also follows the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which grants 12 weeks of unpaid leave a year for childbirth, adoption, medical illness, or to take care of a family member with a serious health issue.
To be qualified, an employee must have worked for the employer for a minimum of 12 months and worked 1,250 hours over that time. |
| Parental and Pregnancy Disability Leave | Wyoming does not have any state laws on pregnancy or parental disability leave.
Employees can take FMLA leave or short-term disability pay if pregnancy excludes them from work. |
| Paid Sick Leave | No paid sick leave is required by the state, although qualified employees can take unpaid FMLA leave for sickness or medical treatment.
Paid leave can be offered by employers under their own workplace policy. |
Workplace Safety
Wyoming workplace safety and employee health are governed under a federally approved Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plan managed by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. Federal OSHA-approved, this plan serves most private sector employees, state, and local government employees. Federal OSHA still regulates federal employees, maritime employees, and some other industries.
Wyoming employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and hazard-free work environment. Their key roles are:
Following all Wyoming OSHA health and safety standards:
- Informing employees of their rights under the Wyoming Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Offering safety training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and supervision.
- Post the official OSHA Job Safety and Health poster in an accessible area.
- Maintaining written safety programs and, as needed, records of illnesses and injuries.
Workers also have significant rights under Wyoming OSHA. They are entitled to:
- Work in a safe and healthy environment.
- Be provided with adequate training regarding workplace hazards.
- Report hazard or injury conditions without fear of retaliation.
- Request a Wyoming OSHA inspection if they suspect hazardous practices.
- Refuse hazardous work when a risk of serious injury or death is present.
To ensure compliance and avoid hazards, Wyoming OSHA provides free consultation services and safety training for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The state is also a sponsor of programs such as the Wyoming Safety Improvement Fund, which offers financial aid to employers who wish to improve workplace safety.
Child Labor Laws
Wyoming labor laws for minors work with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) but add additional protection for employees under 16. The state’s minimum age for non-farm work is 14.
Children under age 14 are not allowed to be employed in most occupations, except for some activities like babysitting, newspaper delivery, or assisting a parent’s business in non-hazardous positions.
Minors under the age of 16 have certain limitations on when and how long they are allowed to work:
| Period | Work Hour Rules |
| School Weeks |
|
| Non-School Weeks (Summer) |
|
For workers who are 16 and 17 years old, there are no time limits, although some dangerous occupations are prohibited for all workers who are under the age of 18. These are:
- Running heavy equipment.
- Operating power-driven bakery or meat-slicing machines.
- Handling dangerous substances or working in environments with high temperatures.
Taxes In Wyoming
There are no individual or corporate income taxes, which makes it one of the most affordable places to live and operate a business in the U.S.
Wyoming has a 4% base sales tax rate, and local jurisdictions can add their own taxes. The average state plus local sales tax rate in Wyoming is 5.44%.
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Curious Minds Also Ask
What are the labor laws in Wyoming?
Wyoming’s labor laws consider the federal FLSA regulations, including topics such as minimum wage, overtime, and child labor. Wyoming has few distinctive rules but enforces federal practices on most employment.
How many breaks do you get in an 8 hour shift in Wyoming?
Wyoming does not mandate breaks by statute. But where employers offer brief rest breaks of 5–20 minutes, these must be paid for. Meal breaks of 30 minutes or more can be unpaid if the employee is fully relieved of responsibilities.
How many hours can you legally work in a day in Wyoming?
There are no working hours- Wyoming labor laws salary employees to be paid. However, Federal law mandates overtime after 40 hours per week for covered employees. Employers have a responsibility to maintain safe and lawful working conditions.
What are the termination laws in Wyoming?
Wyoming adheres to at-will employment law, which permits employers to fire employees whenever they want for any legal reason. Employees may quit without notice as well. Firing for discrimination, retaliation, or violation of contract is deemed illegal.
Is overtime pay mandatory in Wyoming?
Overtime compensation is mandated under the FLSA for Wyoming’s non-exempt employees. Eligible employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate for work over 40 hours a week. Some executive, professional, and administrative positions are exempt.
What is the WARN Act in Wyoming?
The WARN Act is a federal statute that applies in the state of Wyoming, mandating large employers to provide 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs or facility shutdowns. It covers businesses that have 100 or more full-time employees. They can face financial sanctions for violations.
Does Wyoming require PTO payout?
Wyoming statute does not mandate payment of unused PTO upon termination by employers. Wherever a company’s policy or agreement so requires payout, however, employers have to abide. Employees can clarify from their employment contracts.
How many hours is considered full time in Wyoming?
Wyoming has no definition of full-time employment, although the majority of employers treat 40 hours a week as standard. Federal regulations also utilize 40 hours as the definition for full-time status. The eligibility for benefits may differ for employers.
Are lunch breaks required in Wyoming?
Wyoming employers do not have to provide lunch breaks. If they do, 30-minute meal times can be unpaid. Breaks of less than 20 minutes have to be paid as working time.
What jobs are exempt from minimum wage in Wyoming?
Some occupations are exempt from the minimum wage in Wyoming, including farm work, outside sales, and seasonal amusement industry work. Executive, administrative, and professional staff can also be exempt. Tipped workers have special wage provisions.
What are workers’ rights in Wyoming?
Wyoming employees are entitled to safe working conditions, reasonable wages, and freedom from discrimination or retaliation. They are not only allowed but can also report unsafe or illegal working conditions without the threat of punishment. The federal government’s OSHA and DOL agencies enforce these rights.
What is Wyoming’s tipped minimum wage?
Wyoming’s tipped minimum wage is $2.13 an hour. Employers can take a tip credit as long as the combined wages equal at least $7.25 an hour. If the tips fall short, the employer must pay it.
Can you sue your employer in Wyoming?
Workers in Wyoming may sue their employer for wrongful dismissal, unpaid wages, discrimination, or harassment. Claims in legal action can also include retaliation or breach of contract. Grievances can be brought up with labor bureaus before filing in court.
What is the overtime law in Wyoming?
Wyoming adheres to the FLSA in regard to overtime law. Non-exempt employees are entitled to time-and-a-half for more than 40 hours a week worked. Certain salaried and professional employees are exempt.
What is the WARN Act in Wyoming?
Wyoming’s WARN Act mandates large employers to give 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs or plant shutdowns. It applies to employers with 100 or more full-time employees. The legislation prepares employees for career changes.
What is considered wrongful termination in Wyoming?
Wrongful termination takes place when an employee is dismissed due to unlawful motives like discrimination and retaliation. It may also arise from breaching a contract of employment. At-will employment does not save employers from such illegal behavior.
Do you have to take a lunch break in Wyoming?
Wyoming has no requirement for lunch breaks. They may be given voluntarily by employers, and 30-minute meal times can be unpaid if the employee is removed from responsibility. Whether breaks are paid or not is a company policy.
How long does an employer have to pay you after termination in Wyoming?
Terminated employees must be paid by the employer within five business days or at the next regular payday. This applies both to an employee who resigns or is fired. Tardiness in payment can lead to penalties or wage claims.
FAQ's
What is the minimum wage in Wyoming for 2025?
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As of 2025, Wyoming follows the federal minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour, since the state does not have its own minimum wage law. Employers must comply with this rate unless federal laws change.
Are employers in Wyoming required to provide paid sick leave?
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No, Wyoming does not have a state law requiring private employers to offer paid sick leave. However, some employers choose to provide it voluntarily as part of their benefits package or company policy.
How often must employees in Wyoming be paid?
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Wyoming law does not specify a mandatory pay frequency, but most employers follow a biweekly or monthly pay schedule. Employers must, however, clearly communicate the pay schedule to employees.
Does Wyoming require overtime pay?
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Yes. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees in Wyoming are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked beyond 40 hours in a workweek, unless they are exempt under federal law.
