Question of the Day - 30 June 2025

As of July 1, 2024, following the elimination of the state's previous two-tiered wage system, the minimum wage in Nevada is $12 per hour for all employees, regardless of whether their employer offers health benefits or they're in tip positions. This change was implemented as part of Assembly Bill 456, passed in 2019, which gradually increased the minimum wage over several years. The final increase to $12 per hour took effect last July.

Unlike many states that allow employers to pay tipped workers a lower base wage by applying a "tip credit," Nevada law prohibits this practice. Employers in Nevada must pay the full minimum wage directly, without counting tips toward that amount. ​

As for what kind of job your son might get, that's harder to say, since we don't know anything about him. Also, unemployment here is fairly high, hovering between 5% and 6%, so there might be some competition, especially for an incoming freshman from out of state. Just to warn you/him about what he might face. 

One recommendation we can make comes from a friend with two kids at UNLV. The younger son took the initiative to enroll in the Food Handler Safety Training Card Program, then take and pass the certification test. Food-handler cards are required for anyone employed in or operating a food establishment in Nevada and with the card in hand, our friend's son was quickly hired at a movie theater in the VIP lounge, preparing food for in-theater dining. Without the card, his job choices would've been in the box office, behind the concession stand, or lobby/theater cleaner. With the card, he's learned some short-order skills, preparing burgers, wings, tenders, quesadillas, pizzas, wraps, and the like. He doesn't go hungry and he makes a couple of dollars more per hour than the entry-level positions. 

On-campus jobs include dining services, library assistant, campus tour guide, bookstore cashier, administrative support, and the like. These jobs often, but not always, take class schedules into account. Off-campus jobs can be anything from barista and cafe worker to supermarket stocker and call-center agent, retail associate and restaurant worker to landscape laborer and car wash attendant. Then there are the gig opportunities, such as pet sitting and dog walking, tutoring high-school students online, and campus brand ambassador.

There's nothing special about Las Vegas in terms of job opportunities for college students. Like anything, it takes some persistence and creativity to find what you're looking for.