Austin cannot set a private-sector minimum wage. Tex. Lab. Code § 62.0515 preempts local wage ordinances, so the Texas Minimum Wage Act rate of $7.25/hour (matching federal FLSA) applies citywide. Austin pays its own City employees a higher living wage (most recently $20.80/hr under Council Resolution), but this floor does not extend to private employers.
The Texas Minimum Wage Act (Tex. Lab. Code Ch. 62) sets the state floor by reference to the federal FLSA rate. Tex. Lab. Code § 62.0515 prohibits cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from adopting a higher minimum wage for private employment. The City of Austin's Living Wage Policy applies only to City of Austin employees and to vendors performing contracted services for the City (City Code § 2-9B-3); it was raised to $20.80/hour effective FY 2024-25 by the Austin City Council. Private businesses operating in Austin are bound by the $7.25 state floor. The Texas Workforce Commission administers the state Minimum Wage Act; the U.S. DOL Wage & Hour Division enforces the federal FLSA.
Federal FLSA remedies under 29 U.S.C. § 216(b) include back wages, equal liquidated damages for willful violations, and civil money penalties. Texas wage claims may be filed with TWC under Tex. Lab. Code Ch. 61 within 180 days. Retaliation against employees who file claims is prohibited under 29 U.S.C. § 215(a)(3).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Austin, TX
Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 establishes citywide quiet hours from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM, during which sound plainly audible across a property line in resident...
Austin, TX
Austin enforces Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 and Austin City Code Chapter 12-5: a vehicle on public right-of-way is abandoned if inoperable for more...
Austin, TX
Austin Land Development Code Chapter 25-2 Subchapter F caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards without a permit. C...
Austin, TX
Austin City Code Chapter 3-4 requires dogs in public to be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet, with limited exceptions for designated off-leash area...
Austin, TX
Consumer fireworks are illegal to possess, use, or sell within Austin city limits. Violations can carry fines up to $2,000. Permits are issued only for profe...
Austin, TX
Austin imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (LDC 25-10...
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