Compensation Division
The City of Austin strives to provide equitable compensation for its employees in pay and benefits to attract and retain qualified individuals for all positions. Compensation depends on the City Council approval of the Budget on an annual basis.
Compensation Philosophy
Our compensation philosophy is guided by a commitment to equity, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources. It supports our ability to build a talented, engaged workforce, recognize meaningful contributions, and ensure consistency across our organization. The values and principles that share our approach to compensation include the following:
- Talent Acquisition - Welcoming the Right Talent
- Fair and Informed Compensation - Integrating Internal Equity with Market Competitiveness
- Compensation in Context - Market Position
- Valuing Experience and High Performance - Recognizing Growth and Contribution
- Supporting Career Growth and Commitment - Employee Retention
- Clarity in Compensation - Pay Transparency
Resources
- Pay Scales
- Municipal
- EMS
- Fire
- Police
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the City's 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 employees at the City.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.
- 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, visit the Benefits Division web page.
- What is a Salary Survey?
A gathered sample of data on fixed compensation for services paid to a person on a regular basis.
Contact
- Payroll
The Austin Human Resources Compensation Division does not administer Payroll.
For issues regarding City of Austin employee Paychecks, Direct Deposits, W-2, and related items.
- Email: COA.Payroll@austintexas.gov
- Phone: 512-974-3001
- Workers' Compensation
The Austin Human Resources Compensation Division does not administer Worker's Compensation.
For issues regarding City of Austin employee on-the-job injuries or workers’ compensation claims, please reach out to the Risky Management Division.- Email: RiskManagementHRD@austintexas.gov
- Phone: 512-974-3447
- Benefits
The Austin Human Resources Compensation Division does not administer the Benefits Program.
For questions regarding City of Austin employee benefits for both active and retired employees.
- Webpage: Benefits Division
- Email: Benefits.HRD@austintexas.gov
- Phone: 512-974-3284
- Classification and Pay Requests
For questions regarding City of Austin employee Compensation Classification and Pay Requests, please email your department HR or department's assigned Compensation Consultant.
For more information about the Compensation Division, including its programs and types of requests handled:
- Email: Compensation.HRD@austintexas.gov
- Phone: 512-974-3226
- Surveys, Pay, and Job Classification Data