Harris County Approves $20 Minimum Wage for 2025

Harris County Commissioners have unanimously approved a historic policy to raise the minimum wage for county employees to $20 per hour and contracted workers to at least $21.65 per hour, effective in 2025. This decision, championed by Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones, aims to address the rising cost of living and is guided by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Livable Wage Calculator, with annual adjustments. The wage increase is projected to cost the county $5.4 million and support over 20,000 workers, promoting economic and social justice. Labor advocates and county officials emphasize the significance of this move for the broader economy and community well-being. The policy includes a compliance mechanism, ensuring a comprehensive approach to wage adjustment.