Hiring Cashier in Houston: Local Wage Laws and Hiring Checklist

Hiring Cashier in Houston: Local Wage Laws and Hiring Checklist: Key Takeaways

Houston minimum wage for cashiers aligns with the federal rate of $7.25 per hour.
Tipped employees must receive a minimum cash wage of $2.13, with tip credits allowed to meet $7.25/hr minimum.
Employers must comply with overtime pay, recordkeeping, and non-discrimination laws when hiring cashiers.

Hiring a cashier in Houston requires understanding local and federal wage laws. This guide outlines key wage requirements and a hiring checklist to ensure compliance.

Following these guidelines helps employers create a lawful, fair, and safe workplace for cashier positions.

For step-by-step guidance, use our cashier hiring guide.

1. Minimum Wage Requirements for Houston Cashiers

In Houston, Texas, the minimum wage for non-exempt employees such as cashiers is $7.25 per hour. This rate is consistent with the federal minimum wage as set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and has remained unchanged since 2009.

Texas does not impose a higher state minimum wage, so employers in Houston must at least meet the federal minimum.

For employees who customarily receive tips in addition to their wages, the minimum cash wage can be as low as $2.13 per hour. Employers can then take a tip credit of up to $5.12 per hour, ensuring that the combined pay (wages plus tips) reaches or exceeds $7.25 per hour.

If an employee's tips fall short of this combined amount, it is the employer's responsibility to make up the difference to comply with wage laws.

For roles that receive tips, see this tipped hiring guide.

2. Important Exemptions Under Texas Minimum Wage Law

The Texas Minimum Wage Act includes specific exemptions for certain categories of workers. Employees such as agricultural workers, domestic service workers, and selected students or learners may be excluded from typical minimum wage protections.

Employers should carefully review these exemptions to determine if they apply to any cashier roles or related positions.

Review job posting compliance to avoid costly hiring mistakes.

3. Hiring Checklist for Cashiers in Houston

Employers must adhere to various federal and local requirements when hiring cashiers. Use the following checklist to stay compliant:

Start with a clear cashier job description when drafting your ad.

Job Description and Posting: Clearly define cashier duties, responsibilities, and qualifications in your job ad.
Wage Compliance: Offer compensation at or above the $7.25 minimum wage; consider tip-credit rules if tipping applies.
Overtime Pay: Be prepared to pay 1.5 times the hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek, in line with FLSA regulations.
Earnings Statement: Provide employees with written wage statements each pay period showing hours worked, pay rates, and deductions.
Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate employment and wage records for a minimum of three years as required by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Follow laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin.
Workplace Safety: Comply with OSHA standards to ensure a safe working environment for employees.
Employee Classification: Accurately classify workers as exempt or non-exempt to determine proper wage and benefits eligibility.
Training and Orientation: Provide thorough training on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures before employees start working.
Employee Handbook: Distribute a handbook detailing company policies, work rules, and employee expectations.

4. Importance of Recordkeeping and Compliance

Maintaining accurate records is crucial for compliance with federal and local labor laws.

Employers must keep detailed documentation of hours worked, wages paid, tip credits claimed if applicable, and related employment records for at least three years.

This documentation helps protect both employer and employee rights and supports audits or investigations by labor authorities.

Wage Statements and Transparency

Providing employees with wage statements that outline pay details—including hours worked, hourly rates, tips, and deductions—is a legal requirement that fosters transparency and builds trust.

Ensure your stubs meet legal standards with this pay stub essentials overview.

5. Essential Steps for a Successful Hiring Process in Houston

Beyond wage compliance, it’s important to implement a complete hiring process that promotes fairness and legal adherence.

This involves:

Creating clear, nondiscriminatory job postings.
Conducting structured interviews.
Verifying eligibility to work legally in the U.S.
Providing equal opportunity regardless of protected characteristics.
Implementing safety training aligned with OSHA requirements.
Setting expectations clearly through an employee handbook.

Prepare for evaluations using standardized cashier interview questions.

6. Best Practices for Hiring and Retaining Cashiers

Employers should go beyond minimum legal requirements to attract and retain quality cashier staff by:

Offering competitive wages and benefits.
Providing ongoing training and development opportunities.
Fostering a safe and respectful workplace culture.
Ensuring prompt and accurate payment.
Establishing clear communication channels.

Benchmark compensation with up-to-date cashier salary data.

7. Useful Official Resources for Hiring Cashiers in Houston

For additional guidance on wage laws and hiring practices, employers can consult these official resources:

For market context, explore hospitality wages 2025.

Hiring Cashier in Houston: Local Wage Laws and Hiring Checklist: Conclusion

Employers hiring cashiers in Houston must comply with the federal and local wage laws, paying at least $7.25 per hour, and managing tip credits where applicable.

A structured hiring checklist covering wages, overtime, recordkeeping, safety, and equal opportunity helps ensure both legal compliance and a productive workforce.

Using official resources and adopting best practices will support Houston employers in creating fair, safe, and compliant work environments for their cashier employees.

For a broader look at responsibilities and requirements, see the cashier career overview.

01. What is the minimum wage for cashiers in Houston?

The minimum wage for cashiers in Houston is $7.25 per hour, consistent with the federal minimum wage under FLSA.

02. Are tip credits allowed for cashier positions in Houston?

Yes. Employers can pay a minimum cash wage of $2.13 per hour to tipped cashiers and take tip credits up to $5.12 per hour, provided the total hourly pay reaches at least $7.25.

03. What are some important exemptions under Texas minimum wage law?

Certain workers, such as agricultural employees and domestic service workers, may be exempt from the Texas Minimum Wage Act’s protections.

04. What are key hiring checklist items for cashiers?

Key hiring checklist items include wage compliance, proper job descriptions, overtime pay, recordkeeping, safety training, and equal employment opportunity policies.

05. Why is recordkeeping important for employers hiring cashiers?

Accurate recordkeeping protects employer and employee rights, ensures compliance with labor laws, and aids in audits or investigations.