The minimum wage in College Station, Texas, is $7.25 per hour. This rate aligns with the federal minimum wage, as Texas state law currently does not mandate a higher minimum wage than the federal standard.
Understanding Minimum Wage in Texas
Texas operates under the federal minimum wage established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This means that for most non-exempt employees in College Station and across the state of Texas, the minimum hourly rate is $7.25. While some states and cities have enacted higher minimum wages, Texas follows the federal rate.
Here's a quick overview of the standard minimum wage:
| Category | Rate per Hour |
|---|---|
| Standard Minimum Wage | $7.25 |
| Tipped Employees (Cash Wage) | $2.13 |
Note: For tipped employees, the employer can pay a direct wage of $2.13 per hour, provided that the employee's tips bring their total earnings to at least the standard minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. If tips do not cover the difference, the employer must make up the shortfall.
Who Does This Minimum Wage Apply To?
The minimum wage applies to most non-exempt employees. Non-exempt employees are typically those who are paid hourly and are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Key groups covered include:
- Most hourly workers in various industries.
- Employees in retail, service, and administrative roles.
Special Considerations and Exceptions
While the $7.25 per hour rate is standard, there are specific situations and employee categories that may be subject to different rules or exceptions under federal law:
- Youth Minimum Wage: Employers may pay a sub-minimum wage of $4.25 per hour to employees under 20 years of age for their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After this period, or once the employee turns 20, they must receive the full minimum wage.
- Full-Time Students: Certain employers (e.g., retail, service, agriculture, higher education) can apply for certificates to pay full-time students at 85% of the minimum wage for up to 8 hours per day and 20 hours per week during school, or 40 hours during breaks.
- Disabled Workers: Special minimum wage certificates may be issued by the U.S. Department of Labor to allow employers to pay individuals with disabilities below the minimum wage, based on their individual productivity.
- Exempt Employees: Certain executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees may be exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements if they meet specific salary and duty tests.
It's important for both employers and employees in College Station to stay informed about these regulations to ensure compliance with federal labor laws.
Resources for More Information
For the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on federal labor laws, including minimum wage, you can refer to the official resources provided by the U.S. Department of Labor:
