Are employers required to pay stylists a minimum wage regardless of their commission rates?

Employers are required to pay stylists a minimum wage as mandated by labor laws, irrespective of the commission rates they may earn. This requirement is in place to ensure that all employees receive fair compensation for their work, reflecting a baseline standard of living, regardless of their sales or commission performance. The policy aligns with the principles of labor rights, which emphasize that employees cannot be paid solely on commission—rather, they are entitled to at least the minimum wage for their efforts.

Commission structures might incentivize stylists to sell more services or products, but these arrangements should complement the guaranteed minimum wage rather than replace it. By enforcing a minimum wage, the law aims to protect employees from potential fluctuations in income that could occur during slow business periods, ensuring a more stable financial environment for all workers in the cosmetology field.