Texas Pay Period and Frequency Laws

Various labor laws and regulations are in effect across the United States. Some federal laws apply to all states, but no law is in place around pay period and frequency on a nationwide level. Explore the requirements around the schedule for paying employees in Texas.

Does Texas Have Pay Period and Frequency Laws That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, Texas has its own laws regarding pay periods and frequency that differ slightly from federal regulations. Under the Texas Payday Law (Title 2, Chapter 61 of the Texas Labor Code), employers must follow set rules about when and how employees receive their wages.

How Often Do Employers Need to Pay Employees in Texas?

Texas law requires employers to pay employees at least twice a month for nonexempt workers. These are employees covered by overtime and minimum wage requirements under the FLSA. The employer can choose the specific dates but must consistently adhere to them so employees know when to expect their paychecks.

For exempt employees (e.g., salaried workers in executive, administrative, or professional roles), employers are allowed to pay once a month.

Are There Designated Texas Payday Limit Requirements?

The state of Texas does not have specific requirements on how “spread out” or regular the paydays need to be within a month for nonexempt employees, as long as there are at least two paydays every month.

How Long After a Pay Period Must Wage be Paid in Texas?

Under Texas law, paychecks must be distributed no later than eight calendar days after the end of a pay period. For example, if a pay period ends on the 15^th of the month, the paycheck must be issued by the 23^rd of the month.

What Are the Penalties to Employers for Late Paychecks in Texas?

Employers who fail to pay employees on time could face serious consequences under the Texas Payday Law. Requirements may include paying back wages and interest and potentially facing additional fines.

What Are the Paycheck Requirements for An Employee Whose Employment Has Been Terminated?

When an employee is terminated, the timeline for their final paycheck shifts. According to Texas law, the final paycheck must be issued to employees who are laid off, fired, or otherwise involuntarily terminated within six calendar days. Employees who voluntarily resign must receive their final check by the next scheduled payday.

Are There Any Municipalities or Cities in Texas That Have Differing Pay Period or Pay Frequency Laws?

Texas labor laws are largely uniform statewide. Municipalities and cities generally do not have separate pay period or frequency regulations.

Are There Any Other Laws in Texas Regarding Pay Periods and Pay Frequency?

Here are some additional considerations for businesses and employees in Texas:

• Wage Deductions: Employers cannot deduct wages for things like uniforms or tools without written consent from the employee.
• Wage Statements: Employers must furnish employees with an earnings statement for every payday. This document should include details such as total hours worked (for nonexempt employees), wages earned, and any deductions.
• Payment Methods: Employers can pay wages using cash, checks, or direct deposits. Employers opting for a direct deposit must first get written permission from employees.

Accurate hours are critical to accurate paychecks. An automated time and labor platform like WorkforceHub streamlines how you collect employee time data. Integrations with top payroll platforms ensure that employees receive the proper pay for hours worked. Plus, you can set up pay periods within the platform that comply with Texas regulations.