F/T pay of $465 p/m too low?

[paulwillis]

What is the name of your state? Colorado

I'm employed to manage the feeding and care of some horses and cows at a non-profit company. I am employed as a full time exempt employee. I get 1 day off a week and 10 days vacation per year + 8 holidays. I have medical, and workers comp, and a one bedroom apartment on site. They require I live there, and the accomodations are specifically not part of my compensation. I am a US citizen, but I doubt that should make any difference.

I am paid $435 per month. I have three questions:

1. Where can I look up the law that addresses minimum wage for my type of work in Colorado?

2. Should I be paid at least minimum wage? $5,220 per year/ 2000 hours is $2.61 per hour.

3. Should I really be an exempt employee?

Thanks for your help in advance. Thanks for answering any one or all of my questions.

Paul W.

[enjay]

Do you pay rent?

[paulwillis]

No, I don't pay rent.

Thanks,
Paul

[paulwillis]

I made a typo in my title. It should read $435 per month, not $465.

Paul

[cbg]

I know that they are allowed to pay you less if your living quarters are included, but I'll let Patty review the details with you since I'm not certain of the specifics.

[pattytx]

I've got some deadlines to meet at the moment. I'll try to respond tomorrow.

[pattytx]

I'm not even positive that you legally qualify for exempt status. See the Colorado law here:
[url]http://www.coworkforce.com/lab/Minimum%20Wage%20Order%2022.pdf[/url]

Page 7 details those types of employees who qualify for exempt status.
You may want to contact the Colorado Dept. of Labor and explain your situation to them to confirm whether or not you are correctly classified. The main number is (303) 318-8441.

This document also discusses lodging against minimum wage if it turns out that you should be a non-exempt employee.