Is Minimum Wage Fair Pay for an Assistant?
Description
Minimum wage in Oklahoma has been $7.25 since 2009 and for years that’s exactly what I paid my assistants. Later, I raised it to $10 an hour… and nothing changed. So why do salon owners feel pressured to pay assistants “well above” minimum wage?
In this episode, I’m sharing the pros, cons, and my perspective on paying assistants minimum wage, how to set pay based on your numbers (not guilt), and why your culture and education matter far more than the hourly rate.
What You’ll Learn:
- The real pros and cons of minimum wage pay
- How to calculate what your salon can actually afford
- Why assistants don’t choose salons based on $1–$4/hour differences
- Simple ways assistants can earn more beyond base pay
- My POV: pay what’s sustainable and release the guilt
Key Takeaway
Assistants don’t join your team for a paycheck, they join for your leadership, culture, and training. Build a program so clear and valuable that growth opportunities, not just wages, make them feel invested.
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