Each employer in private employment who hires an unemployed veteran of the Vietnam conflict at not less than the then-current federal minimum wage, or not less than the prevailing wage rate for the industry and occupation at that time, whichever is higher, shall be reimbursed by the state, pursuant to this chapter, in an amount equal to 50 percent of the cost to the employer for any salary or wages paid to such veteran. The maximum duration of the reimbursements to employers provided for by this section shall be 18 months for each veteran employed.