The government minimum wage is $7.25/hour, and Texas hasn’t changed it since July 24, 2009. This is a very low minimum wage compared to other states. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), this is true for most workers.
However, some cities have started to make changes that directly affect thousands of workers. That’s why MARCA tells you what the current minimum wage is, who is eligible, what the exceptions are, and how it changes based on where you work.
Texan laws choose to follow federal rules, which makes the work environment easier but gives workers a wage that doesn’t cover living costs, especially in the state’s big towns.
Exceptions to the minimum wage in Texas
1. Tipped employees
- Your base pay could be $2.13 an hour.
- The hourly wage plus tips must add up to at least $7.25.
- The boss has to make up the difference if this amount isn’t met.
2. Young people under 20 years of age (training wage)
- For the first 90 days on the job, they might get $4.25 an hour.
- This exception only lasts for a short time and is controlled at the government level.
3. Workers in special programs
- People with certain challenges or who are in certain types of training are included.
- If the boss has a license from the Department of Labor, the wage might be less.
The minimum wage in big towns in Texas
The state doesn’t raise the minimum wage, but some towns have made changes for workers and contractors who work for the city. This is what 2025 looks like:
- Austin: $21.63/hour for municipal employees.
- Houston: $15/hour for county contractors.
- Dallas: $22.05/hour for city contractors.
- Fort Worth: $18/hour from February 2025.
- San Antonio: keeps $18/hour as local minimum wage.
Please keep in mind that these wages only apply to people who work for the government or as contractors in these places. They do not apply to people who work in the private sector in general.
Exceptions to the minimum wage in Texas
State rules that set a minimum wage don’t protect all workers. The following groups may not have to follow it:
- People who work for religious, educational, or non-profit groups
- Officials in the government and fee sellers
- Helpers in the home
- Family members of the employer
- People who work in covered workshops
- Inmates
- Some schools have students in
- Small businesses that raise crops or animals
What about meals and breaks?
Also, it’s important to know that Texas law doesn’t require employers to give kid-free breaks or food breaks. If the company does decide to offer them, they must follow the rules set by the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
What should you do if your pay is less than the minimum?
It is important to keep your pay stubs, work plans, and contracts if you think you are not making the legal minimum wage. You have 180 days to file a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission. Then, talk to a labor lawyer and the government Department of Labor (if that applies to your job situation). This is especially important if you are being mistreated or haven’t been paid.
