Texas Labor Laws: Every Rule With Its 2026 Figure — Best Proven Guide (2026)

Texas labor laws in one place: the minimum wage is $7.25, no state weekly trigger — the federal FLSA rule: after 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5…, no Texas law requires a meal break for adult workers; if an employer gives one of 30 minutes or more it may…, no paid sick leave is required,

and the final paycheck is due not later than the sixth calendar day after the date of the discharge (61.014(a)) if you are fired.

This guide gives the exact texas labor laws rule with the date we verified it, the statute, and what to do next. Rules verified against the statute on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Texas Workforce Commission, Labor Law Section or an attorney before you rely on it.

Texas Labor Laws: Minimum Wage and Overtime

The minimum wage is $7.25 (adopts the federal rate by reference). No state weekly trigger — the federal FLSA rule: after 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times the regular rate. No daily overtime in Texas — only the weekly total counts. Texas has no state overtime law; the federal 40-hour rule applies.

Texas Labor Laws: Breaks and Lunch

No Texas law requires a meal break for adult workers; if an employer gives one of 30 minutes or more it may be unpaid only if you are fully relieved of duty (federal FLSA rule). No Texas law requires paid rest breaks; under the federal FLSA any short break of 5 to 20 minutes an employer does give must be paid.

Texas Labor Laws at a Glance

Rules verified against the statute on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Texas Workforce Commission, Labor Law Section or an attorney before you rely on it. The statute row is where to check it yourself.

Texas Labor Laws: Hours Worked, 12-Hour Shifts and Days of Rest

Texas has no general limit on 12-hour shifts or mandatory overtime for adult workers. One exception is in the Texas Health and Safety Code: hospitals generally cannot require nurses to work mandatory overtime, apart from limited emergencies. Confirm with the state agency how this applies to your job. Under the Texas Labor Code, a retail employer may not require you to work seven days in a row.

It also may not deny you at least one 24-hour period off in each seven-day period for rest or worship, and it must generally let you attend one weekly worship service of your religion. Part-time workers below the statute’s weekly hours threshold are exempt.

Texas Labor Laws for 16 and 17 Year Olds

Texas does not limit how many hours, or at what times of day, a 16- or 17-year-old may work. Workers under 18 still cannot be employed in occupations that state or federal rules declare hazardous, such as mining, manufacturing, or operating certain heavy machinery.

Texas Labor Laws: Sick Leave and PTO

No Texas law requires paid sick leave; the employer’s own policy or a union contract controls, and the federal FMLA gives up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave at employers of 50 or more. Vacation is paid out only if a written policy or agreement promises it.

Texas Labor Laws: Final Paycheck

Not later than the sixth calendar day after the date of the discharge (61.014(a)) if the employer ends the job; not later than the next regularly scheduled payday for anyone who leaves other than by discharge (61.014(b)) — no acceleration for notice if you quit.

Penalty: the TWC can assess an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 against an employer that acted in bad faith (61.053); wage claims are filed with the TWC within 180 days.

Texas Labor Laws: Non Compete, Right to Work and At-Will

Texas enforces a non compete under its Covenants Not to Compete Act if it is ancillary to or part of an otherwise enforceable agreement when made and its time, area and scope limits are reasonable and no greater than needed to protect the employer’s goodwill or other business interest; the Act’s rules and remedies are exclusive and preempt the common law.

Yes — Texas is a right-to-work state: you cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues or fees to get or keep a job, though a union contract still covers you. Texas is an at-will state: either side may end the job at any time for any lawful reason.

Texas Labor Laws: Required Posters

The state generally requires employers to display the Texas Payday Law poster, the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act poster, the employment discrimination poster under the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, and the workers’ compensation coverage notice from the Texas Department of Insurance. Employers who hire anyone under 18 must also post the Texas Child Labor Law notice.

Other Texas Labor Laws to Know

The Texas Payday Law sets how often employers must pay wages and how quickly final pay is due after a layoff or a resignation. If your last paycheck is late or short, you may file a wage claim with the Texas Workforce Commission. Claims have a strict filing deadline, so confirm it with the agency soon after your last day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage under Texas labor laws?

$7.25 (adopts the federal rate by reference).

When is overtime owed under Texas labor laws?

No state weekly trigger — the federal FLSA rule: after 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times the regular rate. No daily overtime in Texas — only the weekly total counts.

Are breaks required under Texas labor laws?

No Texas law requires a meal break for adult workers; if an employer gives one of 30 minutes or more it may be unpaid only if you are fully relieved of duty (federal FLSA rule).

Is paid sick leave required under Texas labor laws?

No state mandate.

When is my final paycheck due under Texas labor laws?

Not later than the sixth calendar day after the date of the discharge (61.014(a)).

Official Texas Sources & Resources

• Texas Workforce Commission, Labor Law Section: https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/wage-and-hour
• Texas statute (Tex. Labor Code 61.014): https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LA/htm/LA.52.htm
• Verified source: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LA/htm/LA.61.htm
• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division — state payday requirements: dol.gov

This texas labor laws guide was last verified against official Texas sources in October 2026. Rules change — confirm the current figure with the state agency or a licensed attorney.

More Texas Workplace Rights Guides

• Texas Overtime Laws: Threshold, Rate and Exemptions
• Texas Break Laws: Meal and Rest Breaks
• Texas Sick Leave Law: Accrual and Caps
• Texas Final Paycheck Law: Deadlines and Penalties
• Texas PTO Laws: Is Unused Vacation Paid Out?
• Texas Non Compete Law: Is Yours Enforceable?
• Texas At Will Employment Law: The Exceptions
• Texas Right to Work: What It Means for You
• Texas Unemployment Benefits: How Much and How Long
• Unemployment and Workplace Rights Guides for All 50 States

Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. My Unemployment Rights is an independent educational resource, not a government agency and not a law firm. Final-paycheck deadlines, penalties and non compete rules change — every figure here carries the date we verified it. Confirm the current rule with your state labor department or a licensed attorney before you act.