Texas Minimum Wage 2026
Current minimum wage, scheduled increases, tipped worker rules, and political context for Texas’s wage policy in 2026.
$7.25
Current Minimum Wage
$7.25
Projected 2026 Rate
$2.13
Tipped Worker Rate
None
Scheduled Increases
Minimum Wage Overview
Texas has no state minimum wage above the federal floor and preempts local minimum wages. Despite being the 9th largest economy in the world, Texas maintains one of the lowest wage floors. Austin and Houston have higher market wages but no legal floor above federal minimum.
Wage Policy Details
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Minimum Wage | $7.25/hour |
| Tipped Worker Minimum | $2.13/hour |
| Scheduled Increases | None |
| Projected 2026 Rate | $7.25/hour |
| Legislative Source | Federal floor |
Political Context
Texas Republicans have strongly opposed minimum wage increases and preempted local authority. Austin and other cities have sought higher local minimums without success. The issue has become more politically salient as Texas Democrats target suburban voters for whom worker economic concerns are significant.