These jobs include delivery driving, moving vehicles at dealerships and rental lots, washing and detailing cars, and helping in auto service shops. Many only need a regular driver's license and a clean driving record. Employers train you on their routes, vehicles and tools.

What you need in Texas

Most delivery and lot jobs need a regular Texas driver's license. Driving a large truck requires a commercial driver's license (CDL). See our No CDL? No problem. guide for how that works.

What transportation and automotive pays in Texas

Texas minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, and Texas cities can't set a higher one. Driving and auto jobs often pay more than that; check each listing.

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

Dallas–Fort Worth: Transportation and material moving is 10.5% of DFW jobs, the highest share of the three metros, averaging $24.17 an hour (BLS, May 2025).
Houston: Transportation and material moving is 9.5% of Houston jobs, averaging $24.26 an hour (BLS, May 2025).
San Antonio: Transportation and material moving is 8.6% of San Antonio jobs, averaging $21.23 an hour (BLS, May 2025).

Tips

Check your driving record before you apply. Many employers will.
Ask if you use a company vehicle or your own, and how mileage is paid.
Lot and detail jobs are a common way into dealerships.

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