Rates verified and last updated on July 23, 2026
The minimum wage in Texas is $7.25 per hour — the federal rate, which the Texas Minimum Wage Act adopts by reference. It has not changed since July 24, 2009, and the tipped cash wage is the federal $2.13. Texas law preempts local governments from setting higher minimum wages for private employers, so $7.25 applies statewide.
| Minimum wage | $7.25/hour (effective July 24, 2009) |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage | $2.13/hour (plus tips to reach $7.25/hour) |
| Overtime | 1.5x after 40 hrs/week (FLSA) |
| Next scheduled increase | None currently scheduled |
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Weekly gross
$290.00
Monthly gross
$1,256.67
Annual gross
$15,080.00
Overtime is calculated at 1.5x the hourly rate. 1.5x after 40 hrs/week (FLSA). Gross pay before taxes and deductions.
| Year | Minimum wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $7.25/hour | — |
| 2021 | $7.25/hour | — |
| 2022 | $7.25/hour | — |
| 2023 | $7.25/hour | — |
| 2024 | $7.25/hour | — |
| 2025 | $7.25/hour | — |
| 2026 | $7.25/hour | — |
Texas has no state overtime law for private employers, so the federal FLSA applies: 1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, with no daily overtime. The Texas Minimum Wage Act simply adopts the federal minimum wage by reference, so the state rate always equals the federal rate.
Texas has no state exempt salary threshold, so the federal FLSA standard applies: at least $684 per week ($35,568 per year) plus a qualifying executive, administrative, or professional duties test.
The enforced FLSA exempt salary threshold is $684 per week ($35,568 per year). The 2024 DOL rule that briefly raised it to $1,128 per week was vacated by federal courts in Texas in late 2024, and the DOL formally withdrew the rule on May 14, 2026, restoring the 2019 level.
The Texas minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2026, identical to the federal minimum wage. The Texas Minimum Wage Act (Labor Code Chapter 62) ties the state rate to the federal rate, which has been unchanged since July 24, 2009.
Tipped workers in Texas follow federal rules: a cash wage of at least $2.13 per hour plus a tip credit of up to $5.12. If tips plus cash wage fall short of $7.25 per hour in any workweek, the employer must make up the difference.
There is no scheduled increase. Because Texas ties its minimum wage to the federal rate, it will only rise if Congress raises the federal minimum wage. As of July 2026, no federal increase had been enacted.
Not for private employers — Texas law preempts local minimum wage ordinances covering private-sector work. Some Texas cities and counties pay their own employees and contractors more, but private businesses statewide are governed by the $7.25 federal rate.
Yes, unless properly classified as exempt under the FLSA. That requires a salary of at least $684 per week ($35,568 per year) and duties that pass an exemption test. A job title or salary alone does not eliminate overtime rights after 40 hours.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Wage and hour law changes frequently and can vary by city, county, industry, and employer size. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant government agency or a qualified employment attorney before making payroll decisions.
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