Which worker group is used as an example that must receive at least 85% of the minimum wage for a 40-hour week, regardless of hours worked?

Which worker group is used as an example that must receive at least 85% of the minimum wage for a 40-hour week, regardless of hours worked?

• A. Interns
• B. Exempt Managers
• C. Camp Counselors
• D. Temporary Workers

Answer: (C)

The main idea tested is the use of a training wage for certain learner roles. Some workers can be paid at a reduced rate—specifically a percentage of the minimum wage—when their job is primarily to learn and train, rather than to perform regular, fully productive duties. This helps employers provide hands-on training while still offering a baseline earnings level. Camp counselors are a classic example of this trainee category. Their work is largely about learning how to supervise campers, plan activities, ensure safety, and deliver the program, rather than simply performing the duties of a fully trained staff member. Because the role is inherently instructional and limited in terms of regular, skilled output, the policy allows a training wage that amounts to at least 85% of the minimum wage for a standard 40-hour week, regardless of the actual hours worked in that week. This ensures a predictable, fair level of pay during the training period. Other groups aren’t typically described as fitting this trainee category in the same way. Exempt managers are not paid on a minimum-wage basis because they fall under overtime-exempt salaried classifications. Temporary workers are generally covered by standard minimum wage rules and overtime, not a separate 85% training wage. Interns can be paid as trainees too, but camp counselors are the familiar classroom example used to illustrate this concept of a training wage for learning roles.

The main idea tested is the use of a training wage for certain learner roles. Some workers can be paid at a reduced rate—specifically a percentage of the minimum wage—when their job is primarily to learn and train, rather than to perform regular, fully productive duties. This helps employers provide hands-on training while still offering a baseline earnings level.

Camp counselors are a classic example of this trainee category. Their work is largely about learning how to supervise campers, plan activities, ensure safety, and deliver the program, rather than simply performing the duties of a fully trained staff member. Because the role is inherently instructional and limited in terms of regular, skilled output, the policy allows a training wage that amounts to at least 85% of the minimum wage for a standard 40-hour week, regardless of the actual hours worked in that week. This ensures a predictable, fair level of pay during the training period.

Other groups aren’t typically described as fitting this trainee category in the same way. Exempt managers are not paid on a minimum-wage basis because they fall under overtime-exempt salaried classifications. Temporary workers are generally covered by standard minimum wage rules and overtime, not a separate 85% training wage. Interns can be paid as trainees too, but camp counselors are the familiar classroom example used to illustrate this concept of a training wage for learning roles.