If I own shares of a company, and I want to perform work as an "employee" for that company, am I required to receive minimum wage to work? I read somewhere that anyone who owns stock in a company, is considered an owner, and therefore it not party to the minimum wage requirements... Can someone fill me in on this? Thanks! Answer1:The fact that you own stock doesnt mean a thing. You do not have to take a salary. For example, one of the CEOs of the major 3 auto makers stated that if bailout monies were given that he would forego his salary for a year. I am almost positive that as a part of his compensation package that he owns stock in the company. Its perfectly legal.