Food service jobs include taking orders, making food, cleaning and keeping things moving during rush hours. Employers train you on their menu, safety rules and register. Turnover is high, so new openings post constantly.

What you need in Texas

Texas requires food employees to complete an accredited food handler training course within 60 days of employment (Texas Food Establishment Rules §228.33). The certificate is good for two years and is accepted anywhere in Texas. Many employers help you take it after you're hired.

Serving alcohol: Texas doesn't require every server or bartender to hold a TABC seller-server certificate, but most employers ask for one. When their staff is certified, the employer's alcohol license is protected from state action if an employee makes an illegal sale (TABC "safe harbor"). The certificate comes from a TABC-approved course and is good for two years.

What food service pays in Texas

Texas minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. For tipped jobs, employers can pay a cash wage as low as $2.13 an hour as long as tips bring you up to at least $7.25. Ask whether a job is tipped and how tips are shared.

BLS figures are area averages for the whole occupation group, including experienced workers. They are not employer-confirmed. A pay rate stated in a job posting always wins.

City highlights

San Antonio: Food preparation and serving is San Antonio's second-largest job group, at 10.6% of all jobs, averaging $15.02 an hour (BLS, May 2025).
Houston: Food preparation and serving makes up 9.4% of Houston jobs, averaging $14.70 an hour (BLS, May 2025).
Dallas–Fort Worth: Food preparation and serving makes up 8.9% of DFW jobs, averaging $15.74 an hour (BLS, May 2025).

Tips

Weekend and late-night availability makes you stand out.
Ask whether the food handler course is paid for.
Fast food chains often hire on the spot. Apply in person if you can.

Sources

Texas Labor Code §62.051 (Texas Minimum Wage Act) and §62.0515 (state minimum wage supersedes local ordinances). Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Minimum Wage Law.
U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees ($2.13 cash wage). https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wages in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, May 2025," Aug. 13, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news-release/2026/occupationalemploymentandwages_houston_20260813.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wages in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, May 2025," Aug. 13, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news-release/2026/occupationalemploymentandwages_dallasfortworth_20260813.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wages in San Antonio-New Braunfels, May 2025," Aug. 13, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news-release/2026/occupationalemploymentandwages_sanantonio_20260813.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Retail Sales Workers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/retail-sales-workers.htm
Texas Food Establishment Rules, 25 TAC §228.33(d) (food handler course within 60 days of employment), via City of San Antonio Food Protection Manager and Food Handler Requirements. https://cosatx.us/home/showpublisheddocument/32446/637357656486870000
Texas Department of State Health Services, Food Handlers Licensing. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/food-safety/food-handlers/food-handlers-licensing
Texas Commission on Jail Standards memo citing DSHS food handler FAQ (certificate valid two years, 25 TAC §229.178). https://www.tcjs.state.tx.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/TAMemo-FoodHandlersandFHP-FAQ-1.pdf
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, TABC Certification FAQs (safe harbor, Alcoholic Beverage Code §106.14(a), certificate valid two years). https://tabc.texas.gov/faqs/tabc-certification-faqs/
Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security: Training and Continuing Education (Level II required for non-commissioned officers; Level III minimum 45 hours). https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/training-and-continuing-education
TEEX, Private Security Level II course (6 hours; license number required before working). https://teex.org/class/sap201
OSHA, Powered Industrial Trucks eTool: Training. https://www.osha.gov/etools/powered-industrial-trucks/training