# Labor Rights in Texas

[Labor rights by state](/labor-rights/)

Texas follows the federal floor on wages ($7.25) and overtime, with no state paid sick leave, no paid family leave, and no break mandates; local paid-sick ordinances are preempted. It is a right-to-work state with a notably narrow public-policy exception to at-will employment (firing solely for refusing to commit an illegal act). Fired workers must be paid within 6 calendar days; quitters are paid on the next regular payday.

Data last verified 2026-10-12

## Workplace rights in Texas at a glance

  Minimum wage (2026)$7.25 (state law, Texas Labor Code section 62.051, matches the federal rate)Tipped minimum wage (2026)$2.13 cash wage (federal $5.12 tip credit)OvertimeFederal FLSA baseline: 1.5x the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.Paid sick leaveNo statewide mandate; local paid-sick ordinances are preempted by state law.Paid family and medical leaveNo state program.Meal breaksNo state requirement beyond federal.Rest breaksNo state requirement beyond federal.Right-to-work lawYesAt-will employmentPublic policy only (narrow: firing solely for refusing to commit an illegal act, the Sabine Pilot exception); Texas does not recognize implied-contract or good-faith exceptionsFinal paycheckIf fired, due within 6 calendar days; if you quit, due on the next regular payday.

## How Texas compares to federal law

Texas uses the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, with no higher state rate. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek. There is no state paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate, so the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (unpaid leave for eligible workers) is the only baseline.

## Neighboring states

- [**New Mexico**$12.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/new-mexico/)
- [**Oklahoma**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/oklahoma/)
- [**Arkansas**$11.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/arkansas/)
- [**Louisiana**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/louisiana/)

[Compare all 50 states and DC side by side](/labor-rights/)

Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the minimum wage in Texas?

$7.25 per hour under Texas Labor Code section 62.051, matching the federal rate.

### Does Texas require paid sick leave?

No statewide mandate, and state law preempts local paid-sick ordinances.

### What are the exceptions to at-will employment in Texas?

Texas recognizes only a narrow public-policy exception: you cannot be fired solely for refusing to commit an illegal act (the Sabine Pilot rule).

### When must I receive my final paycheck?

Within 6 calendar days if you were fired; on the next regular payday if you quit.