Does Lubbock, TX have its own minimum wage preemption ordinance?

No. Lubbock, TX does not appear to have a local minimum wage preemption ordinance, Texas state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Texas Labor Code.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Lubbock

Lubbock, TX Employment Preemption: Minimum Wage Preemption (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Federal minimum: $7.25 per hour
Tipped minimum: $2.13 per hour
State preemption: Texas Labor Code 62.0515
Local authority: None for private sector

Summary

Texas Labor Code 62.0515 preempts cities from setting a minimum wage above the federal $7.25 per hour. Lubbock cannot adopt a local wage floor for private employers, though tipped and youth wages follow separate federal rules.

Sec. 62.0515. APPLICATION OF MINIMUM WAGE TO CERTAIN GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES; CERTAIN AGREEMENTS WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, the minimum wage provided by this chapter supersedes a wage established in an ordinance, order, or charter provision governing wages in private employment, other than wages under a public contract.(b) This section does not apply to any state or federal job training or workforce development program.(c) This section does not apply to a minimum wage established by a governmental entity that applies to a contract or agreement, including a non-annexation agreement, entered into by a governmental entity and a private entity.

Source: Texas Labor CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Texas joins a majority of states preempting local minimum wage authority. Lubbock private-sector employers must follow federal Fair Labor Standards Act minimums of $7.25 per hour, $2.13 for tipped workers receiving sufficient tips, and limited youth training rates. Public-sector employers and city contractors can adopt higher voluntary wages, and Lubbock has explored prevailing wage standards for contracts. Federal exemptions for agricultural, executive, and outside sales workers still apply. Texas does not recognize any city, county, or special district authority to mandate higher private-sector wages.

Violations & Fines

Federal Department of Labor enforces minimum wage compliance. Violations trigger back-wage liability, liquidated damages doubling unpaid wages, and civil penalties up to $2,374 per repeat violation under FLSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Lubbock raise the minimum wage above $7.25?

No. Texas Labor Code 62.0515 expressly preempts cities and counties from setting private-sector minimum wages above the federal floor. Lubbock can only set wages for its own employees and contractors.

Has the federal minimum wage changed since 2009?

No. The federal minimum wage has remained $7.25 per hour since July 2009. Various federal proposals to raise it have not passed Congress, leaving Texas workers at the federal rate.

Sources & Official References

[1]Texas Labor Code

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All Lubbock rules

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