TXTexas pay rules
Minimum wage $7.25. Overtime after 40 hours in a week. If you are fired, your last check is due within 6 calendar days of being fired.
Texas minimum wage$7.25 now
Texas overtime lawsWeekly overtime after 40 hours
Texas final paycheck lawFired: within 6 calendar days of being fired
Texas PTO payout lawDepends on written policy
| Rule | Texas | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $7.25 an hour since July 24, 2009. No change planned. Texas follows the federal rate. Cities may not set a higher private-sector minimum. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Cash pay if you get tips | At least $2.13 an hour. Tips may make up the rest, up to $5.12. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Overtime | Federal rule only: 1.5x after 40 hours in a work week. No daily overtime. | Federal wage law, 29 U.S.C. 207checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if fired | Within 6 calendar days of being fired | Texas Payday Law, Labor Code 61.014checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if you quit | Next regular payday | Texas Payday Law, Labor Code 61.014checked October 29, 2026 |
| If the last check is late | No automatic penalty. Wage complaints go to the Texas Workforce Commission. | Texas Payday Law, Labor Code 61.014checked October 29, 2026 |
| Unused vacation when you leave | Depends on your employer's written policy. Paid out only if the employer's written policy or agreement provides for it. | Texas Payday Lawchecked October 29, 2026 |
| Meal break | No state meal period requirement for adults. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Rest break | No state rest period requirement. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
These rules cover the whole state. Cities and industries with their own rules are noted in the table. Checked October 29, 2026. Next check: January 1, 2027.