Here is the story on minimum wage. There is a federal minimum wage and a state minimum wage (maybe...there are some states that have NO minimum wage) and some cities/municipalities have higher minimum wage (called living wage.) If a company is engaged in Interstate Commerce (broadly interpreted) it is subject to the federal minimum wage. If there is also a state or local minimum wage....whichever is more generous to the employee is the one that applies.

There are businesses that are exempt from minimum wage....primarily agriculture. Tipped employees are treated differently but regardless how you are paid (hourly, commission, piece rate)it must come to at least the applicable minimum wage.

I will be teaching a course on this subject in Houston on September 13 and 14 if you want to learn more....