Corpus Christi cannot set a local minimum wage above 7.25 dollars per hour because Texas Local Government Code Chapter 229 preempts city wage ordinances for private employers, leaving the federal FLSA rate in force.
Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 prohibits a municipality from adopting a minimum wage that exceeds the federal Fair Labor Standards Act rate of 7.25 dollars per hour for private employers. Corpus Christi has not adopted a local minimum wage, and any attempt would be void. The city may set wage standards in its own contracts, including living wage rules for service contractors and prevailing wage on certain public works under Texas Government Code Chapter 2258. Tipped workers may receive 2.13 dollars per hour cash wage if tips bring total pay above 7.25. Wage theft is enforced by the Texas Workforce Commission and U.S. DOL.
Paying below the federal minimum, misclassifying workers as independent contractors, or stealing tips can lead to back pay, liquidated damages, and U.S. Department of Labor enforcement actions.
Corpus Christi, TX
Corpus Christi has no hotel living wage ordinance, and Texas state law preempts cities from setting a private sector minimum wage above the federal floor of ...
Corpus Christi, TX
Corpus Christi has no paid sick leave ordinance, and the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act passed as HB 2127 in 2023 broadly preempts cities from creating loc...
See how Corpus Christi's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.