Who sets the minimum wage that applies in Fort Worth?

The applicable minimum wage is set by federal law (FLSA) and state law unless the City of Fort Worth adopts a local ordinance applying a different rate.

How are tipped employees paid in Fort Worth?

Tipped employees in Fort Worth are subject to federal tipped-pay rules under the FLSA unless a local ordinance provides otherwise; employers must ensure total pay meets minimum requirements after tip credits.

Where do I file a wage complaint?

File with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division for FLSA matters, or with the Texas agency for state wage issues; use the links in the Help and Support / Resources section.

Fort Worth Minimum Wage Phases & Tipped Pay

Labor and Employment Texas 4 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026

In Fort Worth, Texas, employers and employees are generally subject to federal and state wage laws; the city does not publish a separate citywide minimum-wage schedule on its municipal code pages. Employers should follow the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable Texas rules while monitoring city publications for any future local changes. This guide explains how phased minimum-wage rules would interact with tipped-employee pay, enforcement pathways, and practical steps for employers, workers, and complaints in Fort Worth. Where the municipal code or Fort Worth department pages do not state a specific figure or procedure, the article notes that those items are "not specified on the cited page" and cites official sources for federal and municipal references.

Overview

Fort Worth currently does not have a distinct citywide minimum wage ordinance listed in the municipal code resource commonly used by the city; therefore, most minimum-wage questions in the city reference federal FLSA requirements and state guidance. Employers should verify whether any city contracting or procurement rules impose higher wage requirements for contractors or subcontractors.

Fort Worth employers must follow federal and state wage rules unless a city ordinance specifies otherwise.

For municipal code text and searchable ordinances, consult the Fort Worth municipal code publisher linked below for official ordinances and updates: Fort Worth Code of Ordinances^[1].

Phased Increases & Tipped Pay

Fort Worth has no city-adopted phased minimum-wage schedule published in the municipal code source cited above; any phased increases would need to appear in a city ordinance or council action to take effect. In the absence of a local ordinance, tipped-employee pay is governed by federal rules under the FLSA and state law as applicable.

Federal tipped minimum cash wage: the FLSA permits a lower direct cash wage for tipped employees when employers take a tip credit; see the U.S. Department of Labor for details and definitions. U.S. DOL FLSA overview^[2]
Employers must ensure total earnings including tips meet the applicable minimum wage after tip credits are applied.
Recordkeeping requirements apply to hours, wages, and tip credit calculations under federal law.

Tip credits and their use are governed by federal rules unless Fort Worth adopts a different local ordinance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for minimum-wage and tipped-pay violations affecting Fort Worth workers is typically carried out by federal and state agencies rather than a city-specific wage enforcement office, unless a Fort Worth ordinance creates a local enforcement role. Remedies available under federal law generally include back wages and other relief; where the municipal code or city pages do not list specified fines or administrative penalties for minimum-wage violations, the article indicates that the amounts are "not specified on the cited page." Employers and employees should use the federal and state complaint processes when a city-specific process is not published.

Common enforcement agencies: U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division for FLSA matters; Texas Workforce Commission for certain state wage issues.
Monetary remedies: back pay and possibly liquidated damages under federal law; specific local fine amounts are not specified on the cited Fort Worth code page.
Escalation: first complaints are investigated; repeat or willful violations can lead to stronger enforcement actions per the enforcing agency's rules (specific escalation amounts or tiers are not specified on the cited municipal page).
How to file complaints: use the Wage and Hour Division complaint processes or the Texas state complaint channels when applicable.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to pay back wages, compliance agreements, and potential litigation; city-specific non-monetary sanctions are not specified on the cited Fort Worth pages.

If you suspect wage theft in Fort Worth, file a complaint promptly with the federal or state agency listed below.

Applications & Forms

There is no Fort Worth city form specifically published for minimum-wage complaints on the municipal code page cited above; for federal claims use the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division complaint procedures, and for state matters check the Texas Workforce Commission guidance. If Fort Worth issues a contractor living-wage certification or contract clause, that form would appear on the city's procurement or human-resources pages (not specified on the cited municipal code page).

FAQ

Who sets the minimum wage that applies in Fort Worth?: The applicable minimum wage is set by federal law (FLSA) and state law unless the City of Fort Worth adopts a local ordinance applying a different rate.
How are tipped employees paid in Fort Worth?: Tipped employees in Fort Worth are subject to federal tipped-pay rules under the FLSA unless a local ordinance provides otherwise; employers must ensure total pay meets minimum requirements after tip credits.
Where do I file a wage complaint?: File with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division for FLSA matters, or with the Texas agency for state wage issues; use the links in Help and Support / Resources below.

How-To

Confirm whether a Fort Worth ordinance applies by checking the municipal code and recent city council ordinances.
Document hours, wages, and tips carefully to show compliance or prepare a complaint.
If you are an employee, file a complaint with the U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division or the Texas agency; if you are an employer, consult legal counsel and correct any underpayments promptly.
Follow appeal instructions provided by the investigating agency if you disagree with enforcement outcomes.

Key Takeaways

Fort Worth currently relies on federal and state wage laws unless the city enacts a local ordinance.
Tipped pay rules follow the FLSA unless a local rule changes the treatment of tip credits.