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Texas Labor Laws 2025

Texas labor law largely follows federal standards, with relatively few state-specific employment requirements. However, employers must still understand key Texas regulations around payday schedules and child labor.

Note: While Texas doesn't have many additional state labor laws beyond federal requirements, employers must still comply with all federal regulations including FLSA, FMLA, and OSHA.

Minimum Wage

Texas follows the federal minimum wage with no state-level minimum wage law.

Key Requirements

  • State minimum wage: $7.25 per hour (same as federal minimum)
  • Tipped employees: Minimum cash wage of $2.13/hour if tips bring total to $7.25/hour
  • No state law requiring minimum wage increases above federal level
  • Certain employees may be exempt from minimum wage (e.g., outside salespeople, certain agricultural workers)
  • Youth minimum wage provisions may apply for workers under 20 during their first 90 days

Additional Resources

Overtime

Texas follows federal overtime requirements under the FLSA.

Key Requirements

  • Overtime pay: 1.5x regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek
  • No daily overtime requirement (unlike California)
  • Workweek is defined as seven consecutive 24-hour periods
  • Certain employees are exempt from overtime (executive, administrative, professional, outside sales)
  • No state-specific overtime laws beyond federal FLSA

Additional Resources

Meal and Rest Breaks

Texas does not require employers to provide meal or rest breaks to adult employees.

Key Requirements

  • No state law requiring meal breaks for adult employees
  • No state law requiring rest breaks for adult employees
  • If breaks are provided, federal rules apply (short breaks must be paid, meal periods may be unpaid)
  • Employers must allow reasonable restroom breaks
  • Nursing mothers have the right to express milk (federal requirement)

Additional Resources

Payday Requirements

Texas has specific requirements for when and how employees must be paid.

Key Requirements

  • Employees must be paid at least twice per month for most positions
  • Exempt employees must be paid at least once per month
  • Designated paydays must be no more than 16 days apart
  • Final paychecks must be paid by the next regular payday
  • Direct deposit requires employee authorization

Additional Resources

Child Labor

Texas has specific restrictions on employing minors.

Key Requirements

  • Minors under 14: Generally prohibited from employment except family businesses, entertainment, agriculture
  • Ages 14-15: Limited to 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week; restricted hours during school year
  • Ages 16-17: No hour restrictions, but hazardous occupation restrictions apply
  • Work permits (employment certificates) required for minors under 18 in some cases
  • School attendance requirements must be met

Additional Resources

Texas Employment-At-Will Doctrine

Texas is an employment-at-will state, meaning:

  • Employers can terminate employees at any time for any legal reason (or no reason)
  • Employees can resign at any time without notice
  • Exceptions include terminations based on illegal discrimination, retaliation, or violation of public policy
  • Employment contracts can modify the at-will relationship

Federal Laws Still Apply

Even though Texas has fewer state-specific labor laws, Texas employers must comply with all federal employment laws:

FLSA

Fair Labor Standards Act governs minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping.

FMLA

Family and Medical Leave Act provides job-protected leave for eligible employees.

ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations.

Title VII

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

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