This information is for general orientation only and does not constitute legal, tax or medical advice. Always verify with the official sources cited.
Work legally in Texas
Texas has no state income tax on wages, but property taxes and campus health insurance weigh on the budget. Without a car it is difficult outside the centres: Austin and Houston are partial exceptions.
Minimum wage and tips in Texas
- Minimum:$7.25/hr
- Tips:$2.13/h (subminimum)
- Paid family leave: No statewide programs (federal unpaid FMLA only)
- Maximum weekly unemployment: approximately $577 (if you qualify — F-1 usually doesn’t)
CPT and OPT: practice sequence
- See DSO: CPT eligibility (usually after 1 academic year, linked to curriculum).
- Job offer consistent with the major; letter dated for SEVIS.
- Update I-20 with CPT endorsement before starting.
- For OPT: request 90 days in advance, USCIS fee, waiting for EAD card.
- Store every pay stub; check federal withholdings.
Read Texas Jobs Only
- At will: at-will
- Non-competes: enforceable
- OSHA: Federal OSHA (DOL regions)
On-campus vs. off-campus
- On-campus— Up to 20 hours/week per term; CPT is not needed in many cases (check DSO policy).
- Off-campus CPT— Must be integral to the program; part-time hours in session.
- OPT / STEM OPT— After completion or during thesis in some cases; limited unemployment days.
Payroll taxes
In Texas there are no state payroll withholdings, but FICA (if applicable) and federal tax remain.
Mistakes that cost your status
- Work before CPT/OPT approval.
- Exceeding permitted hours or working for an unauthorized employer.
- Do not report job loss to the DSO during OPT (unemployment days).
- Accept “cash” work below minimum without documentation.
Energy, oil & gas and part-time work
- Energy sector offers CPT internships — major verification and authorization.
- Pure at-will: dismissal without cause with contractual notice only if written.
- Non-compete enforceable — read duration/geography limits.
STEM OPT and grace period
- 24-month extension for USCIS-listed STEM majors — verify course CIP code.
- Report employment every 6 months on myUSCIS during STEM OPT.
- 90 cumulative days of unemployment during standard OPT; 150 during STEM (check current rules).
Typical on-campus jobs
- Dining, library, recreation, research assistant (often linked to major).
- Minimum hourly payout $7.25 — check pay stub.
Sources
Mai lasciare persone/animali in auto — illegal e mortale.
Quick reference
Sicurezza campus generalmente gestita; città auto-centric con zone da evitare di notte. Tornado e uragani: piano diversi per regione.
Practical safety
Mobilità e campus
Non camminare highway-style roads; usa buddy system weekend night.
Meteo estremo
Houston flood: non guidare in acqua. Interior: tornado shelter signs.
- Uragano
- Tornado
- Gelo raro
Rights and actions
Emergencies
Ranked 17 of 50 for minimum wage
Ranked 38 of 50 for max unemployment
State-specific data for Texas: Work
Data verified: 2026-03
Regola federale — CPT/OPT/STEM OPT: stesse regole USCIS in tutti gli stati; rispetta anche leggi salariali locali
| Minimum wage | $7.25/hr ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Tipped subminimum | $2.13/hr ⚠️ |
| At-will employment | at-will |
| Non-compete agreements | enforceable |
| Paid family leave | Nessun programma statewide (solo FMLA federale non retribuito) |
| OSHA coverage | Federal OSHA (regioni DOL) |
| Max weekly unemployment | $577 ⚠️ |
Sources: DOL · DOL state labor
Official U.S. sources
Informational summary only—always read the latest official pages. Not legal, tax, or medical advice.
Rules for F/M/J students, CPT/OPT, and Form I-765 are published by USCIS. Confirm the current page before starting any work.
Minimum wage and overtime: DOL topics. International taxpayer obligations and resources: IRS international taxpayers hub.