The City of Austin’s compensation philosophy supports the business goals of the organization. The pay system has a flexible design necessary to meet changing conditions.

It includes a pay and benefits package that supports the City in attracting, motivating and retaining a productive labor force.

 

LIVING WAGE

The City of Austin's living wage is $22.05 per hour, effective October 2025. This is the result of a City Council decision to increase the Living Wage for the City of Austin. This wage applies to regular and temporary City employees. 

The federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009. For more information, please refer to the Department of Labor's Wage and Overtime Pay web page.


PAY SCALES

FAQs

What is Service Incentive Pay (SIP)? 

Regular employees must have completed at least three (3) years of service by the end of the pay period before SIP is paid out. An employee shall be paid $100 for each year of service. 

If a regular employee separates City employment and returns, they will be eligible for services incentive pay at the same amount they left and under the same terms. All previous tenures will be considered in the calculation. 

For more information: Benefits Division

What is a salary survey? 

A gathered sample of data on fixed compensation for services paid to a person on a regular basis.


CONTACT

for City of Austin Employees only

Payroll

For issues regarding City of Austin employee Paychecks, Direct Deposits, W-2, and related items.

  • Email: Payroll
  • Phone: 512-974-3001
Workers' Compensation

For issues regarding City of Austin employee on-the-job injuries or workers’ compensation claims.

Benefits

For questions regarding City of Austin employee benefits for both active and retired employees.

Classification & Pay Requests

For questions regarding City of Austin employee Compensation Classification & Pay Requests only.

Other: 

  • For information on your department's assigned Compensation Consultant, contact your department HR.
  • For information about the Compensation Division, including its programs and types of requests handled, see the City's SharePoint.
  • For other inquiries, email HRD Compensation at Compensation.HRD@austintexas.gov