What is Texas minimum wage?

Texas uses the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, as the state hasn't passed its own higher rate, so this $7.25 rate applies to most workers, with exceptions for tipped employees who can earn $2.13 cash wage if tips bring them to at least $7.25 total, and some specific roles like certain non-profits.

Is the minimum wage now $15 in Texas?

Basic Minimum Rate (per hour): $7.25

The Texas State minimum wage law does not contain current dollar minimums. Instead the State adopts the federal minimum wage rate by reference.

What states have a $15 an hour minimum wage?

As of early 2026, at least 18 states and Washington, D.C. have minimum wages at or above $15/hour, including California, New York, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, with more states like Florida reaching this threshold later in the year. These rates are often higher in major cities, and many states are seeing annual increases to keep pace with inflation, moving beyond the federal $7.25 minimum wage. 

What is a living wage in Texas?

A living wage in Texas varies significantly by location and family size, but generally requires a single adult to earn around $22-$23/hour in major cities like Dallas/Austin for basic needs, while families need much more, with some studies showing a single adult in Austin needing over $114,000 annually to live comfortably (pre-tax) in 2025, far above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. 

Is $15 an hour good in Texas?

$15 an hour in Texas is generally considered a tight budget, barely enough for survival in lower-cost areas or with roommates, but often insufficient for a single person's basic needs (rent, food, transport, bills) in major cities like Dallas or Austin, where living wages are significantly higher (around $22-$25+/hr). It's more than Texas' $7.25 minimum wage but falls below living wage recommendations, especially with dependents, according to MIT Living Wage Calculator and Dallas College. 

What Is The State Of Texas Minimum Wage? - Southern Culture Collective

Is $100,000 a good salary in Texas?

Yes, $100k is generally a very good salary in Texas due to the state's low cost of living and lack of state income tax, allowing it to stretch further than in many other states, offering a comfortable lifestyle, especially in cities like Houston, El Paso, and San Antonio, though affordability varies by specific location and personal expenses. 

What jobs pay $30 an hour in Texas?

$30 per hour jobs in Texas

• Medical Courier. Often responds within 7 days. ...
• Dispatcher - Full-Time. City of Euless. ...
• Gate Clerk. ConGlobal. ...
• Airline Passenger Assistant SAT. ABM Industries. ...
• Airline Passenger Assistant SAT. ABM Industries. ...
• Create a profile on Indeed. Dismiss this. ...
• Warehouse Associate. ...
• Data Center Inventory & Asset.

What is a middle class salary in Texas?

In Texas, the middle-class income range varies by city but generally falls between roughly $50,000 and $150,000, based on studies using Pew Research Center definitions (two-thirds to double the median income) and recent Census data (around 2023-2024). For example, while the state's range might be around $50k-$150k, a city like Plano sees higher figures (e.g., ~$72k-$217k), whereas Houston or San Antonio are closer to $42k-$125k, reflecting significant local cost of living differences. 

Which states have the highest minimum wage?

As of early 2026, Washington, D.C. has the highest minimum wage at $17.95/hour, followed by Washington State at $17.13/hour, and parts of New York (NYC, Long Island, Westchester) at $17.00/hour, with other states like Connecticut, California, and Hawaii also having high rates, often indexed to inflation.
 

Can a single person live on $15 an hour?

If the federal minimum wage were raised to $15/hour, it would be possible in 68 of America's largest cities for a single person making minimum wage to have at least $480 left over every month (20% of their salary) after paying expenses.

Where in the US is the minimum wage $20?

Certain areas of California and Washington offer a minimum wage of over $20 an hour. Minimum wages increased on July 1, 2025 across several U.S. states and cities. These increases vary by location and industry, with higher wages often limited to specific sectors like hospitality or healthcare.

What state has the lowest hourly pay?

State Minimum Wages Summary

Five states have not adopted a state minimum wage: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Three states, Georgia, Oklahoma and Wyoming, have a minimum wage below $7.25 per hour. In all eight of these states, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour generally applies.

What state has the highest minimum wage 2025?

For 2025, the states with the highest minimum wages include Washington ($16.66), California ($16.50), New York (up to $16.50), and Connecticut ($16.35), with Washington D.C. leading overall at $17.50, while many states adjust for inflation, and specific cities like Seattle have even higher local rates, with further state increases scheduled for early 2026. 

Is $20 an hour good in Texas?

$20 an hour in Texas is a decent wage, often above minimum wage and average unskilled pay, but whether it's "good" depends heavily on your location (big city vs. rural), lifestyle, and family size, as it can be tight in expensive areas like Austin/DFW for a single person and is significantly below the living wage for families. For a single adult, it's near or slightly below the calculated living wage in some areas but provides modest income, while for a family, it's generally not enough to cover basic needs without significant financial strain. 

What does Chick-fil-A pay in Texas?

Chick-fil-A pay in Texas varies, with Team Members often starting around $11-$16+/hr, but higher-skilled roles like Managers, Shift Leaders, or specialized positions can earn significantly more, sometimes exceeding $20/hr or even $50k+ annually, depending heavily on location (Austin, Dallas, etc.), experience, and the specific franchised restaurant's operator. 

How much is the minimum wage at McDonald's in Texas?

McDonald's minimum wage in Texas isn't a single number but varies by location, usually starting around $11-$15+ per hour, exceeding the federal $7.25 minimum wage, with offers including $14-$15.91 in some areas and bonuses/benefits like tuition assistance and healthcare, reflecting market rates.
 

What is the lowest wage in the USA?

The lowest standard minimum wage in the U.S. is the federal rate of $7.25 per hour, which applies in states that have no state minimum wage law or set theirs at the federal level, including Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and others. Some specific categories, like tipped workers ($2.13/hr cash wage) or trainees, can be paid less, but the employer must ensure earnings meet at least $7.25/hr.
 

Who has to pay $20 an hour in California?

Under laws Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in 2023, fast food workers earn a minimum wage wage of $20 an hour and health care workers are on track to make $25 an hour. That momentum extended to Los Angeles hotel and airport employees.

What is Texas's cost of living?

Average Cost of Living in Texas: $52,299 per year

So how much does it cost to live in Texas? According to the latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average total personal consumption cost in Texas is $52,299 per year.

What is a livable income in Texas?

A livable salary in Texas varies greatly by location and family size, but generally, a single adult needs around $45,000-$90,000+ annually to cover basic needs, with higher figures for bigger cities like Dallas or Austin, while a family of four might need over $100,000, highlighting significant cost differences between rural and urban areas. For example, basic living in Dallas requires about $22/hour for one adult, whereas a more comfortable life in Austin or San Antonio could demand $75k-$87k+ for one person. 

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

• Dental Assistant. Dental assisting is one of the best-paying jobs you can start with no degree. ...
• Medical Assistant. ...
• Electrician or HVAC Technician. ...
• Delivery Driver or Courier. ...
• Office or Administrative Assistant. ...
• Security Guard. ...
• Real Estate Agent.

What is the most needed job in Texas?

High Demand Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

• Leasing Agent - Houston Area Community. ...
• Samsung Experience Consultant- Part Time New. ...
• Yard Manager New. ...
• Sorter - Metal Recycling Yard. ...
• Dining Room Host or Hostess - Evening Shift. ...
• Janitorial Supervisor. ...
• Career and Education Outreach Specialist. ...
• Warehouse Associate / Forklift Operator New.

Does Chick-fil-A pay $20 an hour?

Yes, many Chick-fil-A locations, especially in high-cost areas like California, pay around $20 an hour or more for team members, often starting at that rate due to local minimum wage laws and company standards, with some roles even exceeding that. While national averages vary, local data shows front-of-house and kitchen roles frequently hitting or surpassing the $20 mark, with shift leaders earning even more, though actual pay depends on location, experience, and specific store.