● Las Vegas cost of living index sits at 101–103, close to the national average, with housing as the primary cost driver. ● Median apartment rent averages $1,600–$1,700/month, with higher rates near resort corridors and logistics hubs. ● No state income tax continues to support worker take-home pay despite rising housing and utility costs. Why this impacts salaries: Elevated housing costs and living-wage thresholds push employers to offer higher, more competitive wages to attract and retain talent in a high-cost market. Cost of Living Insights Nevada Minimum Wage Schedule Increase (July 1, 2026) ● Nevada law includes a statutory minimum wage schedule that incrementally increases the statewide rate each year. Under recent amendments, the state minimum wage goes from $12.00 to $13.50 per hour on July 1, 2026. ● Applies to all covered employees statewide, eliminating the former two-tier system tied to health benefits. ● Employers must update payroll and postings to reflect the new rate mid-year. Why that impacts salary: Raises the wage floor mid-calendar year, affecting hourly pay planning and comp structures across the workforce. Nevada Unemployment Insurance Wage Base Increase (Jan 1, 2026) ● Effective January 1, 2026, Nevada’s unemployment insurance taxable wage base increases from $41,800 to $43,700 per employee. ● This affects the maximum wages subject to employer unemployment tax contributions in Nevada. Why that impacts salary: Increases employer tax exposure tied to payroll and influences effective labor costs. Legislation Insights ● Manufacturing employs 30,000 workers in the Las Vegas metro, focused on food production, building materials, and light manufacturing. Industrial employment is supported by strong warehousing and distribution growth tied to interstate and West Coast supply chains. ● Skilled trades, equipment maintenance, and production supervisors remain among the hardest roles to fill. Why that impacts salary: High skill requirements and strong cross-industry competition mean employers must maintain competitive pay to secure specialized talent despite slower sector growth. Las Vegas Insights ● The average hourly wage in the Las Vegas metro is $28/hour, driven by strong service, hospitality, and operations roles. ● Entry-level service and warehouse roles commonly range from $15–$20/hour, influenced by Nevada’s $12 minimum wage floor and competition for labor. ● Skilled roles (maintenance, supervisors, compliance, logistics coordinators) frequently command $25–$35/hour. Why that impacts salary: A higher wage floor raises entry-level pay and creates upward pressure on pay bands—often compressing wage structures and increasing labor costs for hourly-heavy industries. Wage Insights Request A Custom Salary Guide