by Brad | Feb 22, 2023 | Austin
Texas state capital, Austin, is a cultural, artistic, and educational center. Additionally, you can find historical places, outdoor activities, and museums and temples representing various foreign cultures.
Austin is one of the top five cities to live in, according to U.S. News and World Report, and it has a large tech sector and a vibrant startup environment. It attracts businesspeople from a range of industries. Tesla, Amazon, and Oracle Corp. are among its largest employers.
Furthermore, Austin allows students to attend top universities while living in a vibrant city. Austin, regarded as the world’s live music capital, is well-known for its “Keep Austin Weird” initiative.
Best Universities in Austin
Below is a list of the top universities in Austin, Texas:
The University of Texas in Austin is a prestigious institution with a long history of intellectual, artistic, and political leadership. Students worldwide have been attending the university, like many other schools and universities in Austin, to move toward their goals.
Regarding educational quality, Texas ranks 2nd out of 85 and 38th out of all national universities. This university is a well-known public institution with a welcoming environment for pets.
- The Texas Health and Science University
The Texas Health and Science University (THSU) grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and business.
It is located a few minutes south of downtown Austin, and students can access high-speed wireless internet connections across the campus.
St. Edward’s University, a Holy Cross university with a national reputation, was founded in 1885. It is one of the top 10 schools in the area and offers its students a top-notch, unique education.
The university offers more than 55 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and every freshman is assigned a success coach who works with them to develop a unique plan for their future. It offers access to top-notch internships and job experiences and is linked with 21 foreign partner universities.
- Concordia University Texas
The premier Christian university in Austin was established in 1926 and is called Concordia University Texas. It is associated with the Missouri Synod of The Lutheran Church.
It is a liberal arts and sciences college with regional accreditation that offers numerous undergraduate and postgraduate courses, virtual degrees, and adult degree programs. The institution welcomes students from all backgrounds and gives them the tools to lead thoughtful and caring lives.
- Austin Community College District
Central Texas is served by the public, nationally renowned Austin Community College District. It offers its students opportunities for affordable higher education and technical training via conventional and online learning methods. It wants to assist students in obtaining a degree, developing marketable skills, or developing their professions.
The college is gender inclusive and diverse. It offers baccalaureate degrees that are appropriately applied, adult education, vocational and technical programs, special instruction programs, and tutoring services for the disabled. Moreover, it offers a program of technology, library, media, and testing services.
- Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University was founded in 1875 and was known as the historically black university in Austin, Texas. It is associated with the United Methodist Church and the United Black College Fund. It was Austin’s first institution of advanced studies. Additionally, it offers its diverse student body a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Next: What Does Austin Have To Offer?
Why Study in Austin?
Twenty colleges and universities are in the Greater Austin region. You can discover South University in Round Rock, Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas State University in San Marcos, and the University of Austin.
Austin has a thriving music and cultural scene and lots of outdoor space. Austin has offices for major tech firms like Dell, Apple, Facebook, Google, and IBM. Austin is known as Silicon Hills because of its vibrant tech community.
As of March 2022, Payscale estimates that Austin’s overall cost of living is 3% lower than the national average. The housing market is an anomaly, with prices that are 2% higher than the average nationwide.
Furthermore, the cost of groceries and utilities is around 12% lower than the national average. Compared to the national average, transportation expenses are 7% lower, and medical expenses are around 1% lower.
Based on its consumer expenditure survey, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average yearly expenditure in the South in 2020 was roughly $55,800.
Finishing a course and moving to Austin is an excellent step for your career. According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics, Austin was the 11th-best performance state among the 50 largest metro areas, with a year-over-year gain of 7.3%, or 77,200 jobs (2020-2021)
Austin is known for having a rich cultural diversity. It is known for its vibrant culture, live music, and visual arts. Austin draws tourists worldwide with its top-notch museums, regular music festivals, and art exhibits.
Keep Austin Weird, which has now become the unofficial slogan for the city, was created to highlight the diversity and significance of small, local companies in Austin.
There are multiple academic opportunities for students in Texas, including prestigious private colleges like Rice University, large public university systems like the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Texas State University, and HBCUs (Prairie View A&M University).
The state also has many prestigious community colleges with top-notch academic and athletic programs.
Is Studying in Texas Worth It for You?
Many public and private institutions can be found in Texas, making it an attractive option for many international students. If you don’t live in Texas, you should weigh the costs of in-state vs. out-of-state tuition.
Most students find Texas a great place to study, but before you decide, you should also consider the location, program, school fit, and university fees.
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While you’re researching the diverse array of colleges located in Austin, consider the importance of a well-maintained living space to support your academic journey. One key aspect of this is your roof, as it directly contributes to the comfort and safety of your home. That’s why Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR offers a thorough roof repair service. Our skilled team can diagnose and rectify any issues, ensuring your roofing in Austin remains in optimal condition. As you pursue your educational goals in Austin, allow us to care for your roofing needs so you can focus on what truly matters – your future.
by Brad | Feb 22, 2023 | Austin
Even in a state as distinct and unusual as Texas, Austin stands out as an exciting destination because of the overwhelming range of activities. Austin is known for its excellent cuisine, fantastic live music venues, and general weirdness. The city’s excellent culture and welcoming residents are to thank for the city’s quick rise in popularity as a place to live and visit.
Reasons Why People Move to Austin
What draws people to Austin, Texas? Learn more about a few of the many reasons why people love this city so much:
One of the main attractions of Austin is the accessibility of well-paying employment. The city is a growing center for well-known tech corporations and tech startups.
With a booming economy, many small and established firms, and a lively startup scene, Austin can pay its citizens an average weekly wage 10% higher than the national average.
Austin’s economy is in such good shape that it consistently receives recognition as one of the best in the country for startups, women entrepreneurs, and young business owners.
Although high living expenses often accompany high salaries, Austin allows you to make a respectable living without spending it all on rent and food.
One of the main factors motivating so many people to move to Austin from other major cities like San Diego, California, is the possibility of finding a lower cost of living alongside skilled positions.
Austin’s prices are not among the most affordable in the country. If you’re from a more rural area, prices may seem high, with a median property price of just over $400,000.
The relatively low prices compared to other big cities, combined with the high median income, draw people to Austin’s working environment.
Another crucial component of any move is finding attractive, safe housing. Because everyone can choose a neighborhood in Austin that fits their needs, tastes, and budget, the city draws new residents.
You can find your ideal house in the city of Austin, whether in the thriving downtown area, in the middle of the region, or the mesmerizing countryside of West Austin.
Furthermore, the city receives praise for being the best place to raise a family, one of the best places for millennials to live, and one of the best places to retire, thanks to its varied population and wide range of housing options.
The weather in Austin is lovely for three seasons out of the year. Austin winters often feature highs in the 60s and 70s, while spring and fall bring comfortable highs in the 80s, far from winter’s bitter cold and snow.
Austin has an outdoor culture because of the consistently good weather, which makes some of its residents the healthiest in the nation. The city has 250 gyms, 220 parks, 30 swimming holes, many lakes, and a variety of walking and hiking paths.
Employment and entertainment may attract individuals to Austin, but the genuine Texas friendliness surrounding the city typically keeps them there. You can enjoy a chat with the cashiers and customers when running your errands.
Furthermore, you can find friends, support, and a sense of belonging quickly in the Austin community. This friendliness and kindness make this constantly expanding city seem like a cozy small town.
Essentially, there are many benefits when choosing Austin to be your home. Whether you decide to move here or travel for work, you will probably fall in love with its beautiful weather, lovely people, and incredible culture.
There is no better place for you or your child’s education than the Austin metro area. According to Expansion Management Magazine, four of the public school districts in the region have been recognized as the best in the country. Similarly, 14 Austin high schools were named the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
In Austin, you can always find a place to go to at night—whether you want to drink a terrific cocktail, go somewhere casual to cheer on your favorite sports team or go to a club to dance the night away.
While West 6th Street may be known for its wild places, South Congress is home to many hip pubs and restaurants with creative bartenders brewing incredible drinks.
Austin’s Tex-Mex cuisine, complete with all the queso and tacos one could want, would be enough to persuade people to relocate there, but the city’s culinary scene is far more diverse than that.
The mouthwatering choices include the famous Franklin Barbecue and SaltLick BBQ. Austin’s food truck scene is another popular attraction.
IT professionals planning to move to Austin soon may be lucky because the city’s IT scene is booming. Companies like Facebook, Google, Dell, BigCommerce, and others have their headquarters there.
Don’t Blame the Coronavirus Pandemic
Even though some people panicked and bought properties, the coronavirus pandemic had little to do with Austin’s booming real estate market.
Austin has been expanding for many years and still is. Furthermore, Austin has recently established itself as a center for the tech industry, spurring the current rapid growth.
Up Next: Where Does Austin Get its Water? Everything You Should Know About the City’s Water Source!
Is Austin Walkable?
It depends on where you live. Although you can walk to South Congress, downtown Austin, and parts of East Austin, getting to other neighborhoods throughout the city still requires a car or uber. The bus system is the only form of public transportation in the city.
What Are You Waiting for?
Every age and lifestyle can find something to enjoy in Austin. There are several things to do there, and a rich history and culture. Austin is a terrific place to live because of the affordable living, lovely neighborhoods, excellent weather, outdoor activity, and exciting events all year.
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As you explore what Austin has to offer, from its vibrant culture to its enticing cuisine, don’t overlook the essentials that make living here comfortable and secure. One such element is the roof over your head, which safeguards your home. Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR is an expert Austin roofer that offers comprehensive roofing services to ensure your roof is in excellent shape. Our team of experts will examine your roof, identifying any issues and providing clear solutions. As you take in the delights of Austin, let us offer you the peace of mind that comes with a secure, well-built roof.
by Brad | Feb 22, 2023 | Austin
Austin’s water source is immensely relevant with numerous residents, many tourists, severe weather problems, and potential climate change consequences to prevent. Whether you plan to stay there long-term or just visit, you should know about it!
Some Facts about Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital of Texas, and nearly 1 million people live there. With desperately hot temperatures and 300 days of sun per year, its residents need to stay hydrated!
In 1983, the city’s government started implementing robust water conservation systems. The community’s primary value is environmental stewardship, so changes constantly happen to maintain affordable rates while keeping up with daily demand.
Where Does It Get its Water?
All the drinking water in Austin comes from the Texas Colorado River, which you can see if you’re in the city.
Although authorities have devised numerous solutions and strategies, Austin must resist drought. Therefore, government identities are constantly implementing new methods to avoid severe issues.
A historic eight-year drought marked the city forever since people needed emergency resources.
Climate change and severe weather have also impacted Austin. Nowadays, drought and flood patterns have changed.
At the same time, Austin has had a quick population drought, so government authorities have had to take measures fast due to that as well.
Austin’s Plan for the Future
Experts estimate that Austin will have nearly 2,000,000 residents by 2040. Thus, Austin now has a 100-year water resource plan that came up, called the Water Forward Plan.
Austin’s community and experts devised different strategies to handle things transformatively, be more creative, prevent issues, and tackle them if they’re inevitable. The plan includes the following six elements:
- There must be private and public involvement of all stakeholders.
- Experts must rely on local water supplies like the Texas Colorado River.
- People must analyze water issues on site and explore the possibility of reuse strategies.
- Programs have to be focused on efficiency and conservation, always.
- Experts must rely on a climate science approach.
- There must always be performance metrics.
The Water Forward plan also considers localized infrastructure as one of its primary factors. Lastly, if authorities and the community implement this plan, everyone will enjoy some benefits, for example:
- People will be able to access water sources more efficiently and quickly.
- The city will be more resilient and able to handle problematic situations.
- Austin will have more strategies against drought and climate change.
Bodies of Water in Austin That People Often Visit
Now, you know where Austin’s water comes from and how the city’s community and authorities will handle potential issues.
However, if you’re visiting or living there, you may want to enjoy the fun parts of natural water sources nearby. There are a few places people often visit, so take a look!
Town Lake
Currently called Lady Bird Lake, this Austin reservoir was created in 1960. With a 416-acre surface, nowadays, it serves as a recreational center to control floods.
Most motorized watercraft are prohibited in Lady Bird Lake. Therefore, people often go there to have fun in canoes, kayaks, rowing shells, and dragon boats.
Moreover, several universities practice water sports there, such as the University of Chicago, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Texas, and Nebraska.
Remember that you’re not allowed to swim at the Town Lake. Even so, numerous events and music festivals happen there all year round, so visiting is always a fun idea.
Barton Springs Pool
If you’re looking for a fantastic outdoor swimming pool to have fun at, Barton Springs may be for you. It takes water from Main Barton Springs and is within Barton Creek!
The Barton Springs pool is one of Texas’s most famous natural water bodies and the fourth largest.
Don’t get sad about being unable to swim at the Town Lake. Head over to Barton Springs because you can have fun there anytime during the year!
Highland Lakes
The lower Colorado River has formed a series of dams, and they’re called ‘The Highland Lakes.’
Some of the city’s biggest lakes are part of the water reservoir for this region, such as Travis and Buchanan.
The primary purpose of the Highland Lakes is to provide hydroelectric power for the city and manage floods. However, since they’re famous, many people visit them!
Read more: The Best Five Hospitals in Austin, Texas, and Why They Rule All Lists
The Mary Quinland Park
You’ll find Mary Quinland Park on the upper reaches of Lake Austin. If you like boat ramps, you can have fun at any time of the day!
Mary Quinland Park is famous for its numerous options to enjoy your time during your visit. People go there to have fun with boat ramps, barbecues, picnics, or at the basketball court.
However, remember there’s no drinking water, so if you’re going, bring your own!
The Deep Eddy Pool
Deep Eddy may be the ideal place to visit if you’re looking for a combination of men’s work and natural resources.
Initially, it was a swimming pool in the Colorado River. Then, it was a resort in the 1920s, and nowadays, it’s a popular place to visit in Austin!
There is a place for both adults and children at Deep Eddy today. Old and young swimmers can go and have fun, and it’s open during daylight hours every day of the year. In wintertime, hours are short.
Final Thoughts
The Texas Colorado River is the source that brings water to all people in Austin. Since it’s the state’s capital and is home to many people, the community and government authorities have devised a 100-year plan to prevent issues and deal with floods and drought.
If you’re visiting or living in Austin and want to have fun at one of the famous natural water bodies, you can go to the Deep Eddy Pool, Mary Quinland Park, Barton Springs, Highland Lakes, and the Town Lake!
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Understanding where Austin gets its water is important, but it’s equally crucial to protect your home from water’s damaging effects, particularly on your roof. Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR is the best roofing company in Austin that offers specialized roof services to address and mitigate water damage, ensuring your home remains safe and comfortable. Our skilled team can identify and fix any water-related issues, prolonging the lifespan of your roof and maintaining the value of your property. As you dive deeper into the intricacies of Austin’s water sources, remember to secure your home’s defenses with our expert roof repair services.
by Brad | Feb 5, 2023 | Austin
If you’re searching for a city filled with personality and active culture, Austin, the capital of Texas, is the perfect place for you. Any Texan can vouch for this. This is the third-largest city in Texas, home to more than 1,000,000 people.
However, Austin’s attractiveness is also luring people outside of Texas. Austin’s population quadrupled between 2000 and 2010, thanks to an average inflow of 100 new inhabitants daily from all locations, including Las Vegas, Atlanta, and California.
This raises a question, what is making all these people move to Austin, Texas? In the following article, you’ll learn about some of the many benefits you’ll experience when living in Austin.
Better Life Quality
Austin has a great outdoor culture because of its pleasant weather, which makes Austin residents some of the healthiest people in the nation. The city has more than 200 parks, gyms, and many swimming holes, lakes, and walking and hiking paths.
Austin locals can access various outdoor activities and other hobbies, including pilates, yoga, and other exercises. Many of those who move to Austin from all over the country do so because it’s simple to have an active lifestyle.
Moreover, living where quality healthcare is widely available is necessary for staying healthy and preventing diseases. Excellent healthcare is a short drive away for the almost 1 million residents of Austin (and the many others who live in the surrounding regions).
Many of Austin’s medical institutions have been praised for their high-caliber work. The top 100 hospitals in the country’s ranking include four hospitals from the city. Additionally, Texas Children’s Hospital is the third-best pediatric hospital in the country. The city’s healthcare industry is constantly growing, with new facilities and hospitals being constructed. If you don’t believe us, feel free to move to Austin and see how good the healthcare is.
Both downtown Austin and many of its neighborhoods are walkable. However, you may also try riding a bicycle to rest your feet. The city has made significant efforts to set up bike lanes and paths to make biking safe and straightforward for its citizens. By 2025, the city will have more than 400 miles of bike routes built thanks to a $460,000,000 active transportation bond, allowing 83% of Austin residents to walk or cycle. That makes Austin a healthy, enjoyable, and environmentally friendly place to live.
Fantastic Culture
Austin may be the ideal city for you if you enjoy the arts. It offers countless opportunities to appreciate and participate in remarkable creative endeavors and is well known for its thriving arts and cultural scene. Austin is so dedicated to fostering creative activities that the city finances several attractions and public art initiatives.
It is called the “Live Music Capital of the World,” It lives up to its title thanks to a constant stream of live music performers that create a lively, enjoyable atmosphere you can go to at any hour of the day or night.
Pick any live music genre you like—rock, jazz, blues, country, or hip-hop. You will find a place where to enjoy it.
Austin is ranked as the best city for music and has a renowned nightlife. This city has the ideal formula for attracting thousands of new inhabitants: outstanding employment opportunities and fantastic entertainment.
Moreover, Austin offers many more hobbies besides listening to great music. The city also has some outstanding cuisine and a culinary scene that ensures you can eat a fantastic meal whenever you want.
In this city, a variety of cuisines are available. Tex-Mex food is the most common, but many fantastic dishes and restaurants are available.
Austin offers much more than what was previously described, though. It is the home of several outstanding craft brewers that redefine what it means to enjoy a beer. Plenty of these breweries will give you a guided tour, where you’ll get to sample their brews. Discover the countless taste combinations available, find new favorite beers, take advantage of seasonal drinks, and sit back and relax. At the same time, you enjoy how wonderful it is to enjoy a perfectly crafted fine beer.
Perfect for Families
Another crucial component people must look out for before moving to a new city is ensuring it has appealing and secure housing. That’s why everyone can select a neighborhood in Austin that fits their requirements, tastes, and budget. This great variety of places to live attracts new inhabitants.
You can discover your ideal house in the city of Austin. It has many fantastic neighborhoods, such as the thriving downtown area in the middle of the region or the picturesque countryside of West Austin.
The city receives awards for being the most suitable place to raise a family, one of the best places for millennials to live, and one of the best places to retire, thanks in part to its varied population and wide range of housing options.
There is no better place for you or your child’s education than the Austin metro region, where the schools prosper. Four of the public school districts in the region have been recognized as the best in the nation. Similarly, 14 Austin high schools were named among the best in the country.
Read Next: Ready to Live Your Best Life? Here’s Why You Should Move to Austin
Austin could also appeal to those who recently graduated from high school and are searching for a top-notch education at a college or university. Look no further than the University of Texas, Concordia University, and St. Edward’s University. These provide an excellent education in teaching, technology, healthcare, and other in-demand professions.
The Bottom Line
These are only some of the benefits those who live in Austin get, as this fantastic city improves itself every day and offers an incredible quality of life to everyone there. Therefore, it isn’t surprising to hear that many people are deciding to move to Austin, not only from other states of America but from the entire globe.
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While exploring the reasons why people are increasingly choosing to call Austin home, it’s key to consider the essentials that make living here comfortable and secure. One such factor is a well-maintained roof over your head. Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR is a reliable roofing contractor that will ensure your home is safe, dry, and comfortable, no matter the weather. Our team of skilled professionals installs your roof with precision, ensuring it can stand up to Austin’s unique weather conditions. So, as you consider your move to Austin, count on us for a roof installation that guarantees your home is as welcoming and secure as this vibrant city.
by Brad | Feb 5, 2023 | Austin
Austin is the capital of the U.S. state of Texas. It is the biggest capital city in Travis County, with sections extending into Williamson and Hays counties.
Since 2010, this city has grown so much that it has become one of the largest cities in America. The distance between the downtown areas of Austin and San Antonio, located along Interstate 35, is around 80 miles. Some analysts think the two areas may merge to create a new “metroplex” similar to Dallas and Fort Worth.
Austin is a fantastic city to visit or to live in, with several beautiful locations that have turned it into a tourist magnet. In the following article, we will learn more about what makes it unique. Keep reading to find out!
Austin Population
Austin’s expected population for the past year was around 965,000, according to the census’s projection in 2020, which determined that its current population was 961,855. It is one of the cities with the fastest growth in America, as it has experienced an expansion of around 80% since 2000.
Those who live in Austin are proudly called Austinites. Moreover, this city is the perfect home for several types of people from many professions, such as blue-collar workers, government people, college students, singers, high-tech workers, musicians, and internet marketers. Austin’s official motto, “The Live Music Capital of the World,” directly relates to the city’s highly diverse live performers, who you can see if you decide to explore the city’s nightlife. Tourists who love music will find this highly appealing, as they’ll enjoy all the live music venues and the PBS TV concert series Austin City Limits.
Check the next blog: Where to Live in Austin – Your Guide to Moving to a New City
Austin History
People have lived in Austin, Travis County, and Williamson County since 9200 BC. The region’s first residents were connected to the Clovis civilization circa 9200 BC and lived throughout the late Pleistocene.
However, its main population before colonization consisted of the Tonkawa tribe. Scientists also found evidence that the Comanches and Lipan Apaches passed through the region. Spanish colonists got to Austin, TX, and built long-term colonies during the Espinosa-Olivares-Aguirre expedition.
Now, jumping to the 19th century, we get to the construction of the seventh-largest building in the world. The state capital building, built in 1888, brought much attention to the city, especially from tourists who wanted to see the building.
Moreover, during that same century, the first granite dam of the city was built on the Colorado River to power a new street car line and the new “moon towers.” This was caused by the expansion of Austin’s city limits, which now included an area more than three times larger than before. Sadly, the first dam collapsed on April 7, 1900, due to flooding.
Over the years, Austin started focusing on improving its image and becoming more appealing to others. This was achieved through several construction projects which molded Austin into the 1928 Austin city plan in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Most of the city’s infrastructure and many of its parks were built during this time.
However, Austin’s history isn’t 100% cute and wonderful, as many people were victims of racism. This is because a three-way system of social segregation developed in the early 20th century, in which Anglo, African American, and Mexican people were divided by law and couldn’t interact with each other in several spheres of life, such as healthcare, education, and housing. Many municipal development projects started during this time, such as hospitals, roads, and schools, were created to perpetuate this segregation.
Another huge event in Austin’s history was The Texas Oil Boom, which began in the early 20th century. This event made Southeast Texas and North Texas one of the main economic focuses, which increased the city’s wealth much more than in previous years. However, Austin initially missed out on most of the expansion brought on by this boom, which is why it grew less than other Texan cities during these years.
Austin’s steady expansion continued after the Great Depression, which caused a significant halt in economic activity. After the first half of the 20th century, Austin established itself as one of the main cities in Texas and America.
Austin City Nowadays
Austin’s most important and well-known buildings are the University of Texas Main Building and the Texas State Capitol. Several new high-rise structures have been built since the 2000s. You can still see Austin’s sky perfectly because all these buildings are appropriately distributed across the city.
One of the main attractions of this city is the Moonlight Towers, constructed to brighten the skyline and provide “artificial moonlight” to some poorly illuminated areas. These towers built during the late 19th century are historical sites. However, only 15 of Austin’s original 31 Moonlight towers are still in perfect condition.
Austin is in the heart of an interesting transitional zone between the desert-like Southwest of the United States and the Southeast regions, filled with vegetation and a humid climate. It is a highly diverse city in terms of flora and fauna, so that you can enjoy all the fantastic elements. It is sunny most of the year, so you won’t have to worry about rain ruining your plans.
The Bottom Line
Austin, TX, is a place filled with history and culture, which is perfect for anyone who may want to visit or even live there. Moreover, Travis County shares most of these excellent characteristics. Therefore, if you want to enjoy a lifetime of music and 300 days of sunshine, please consider visiting this beautiful city.
As you delve into the specifics of Austin, TX, and learn about its county, it’s important not to overlook the practical aspects of life here, such as maintaining your home. Your roof, a crucial part of your property, requires professional attention, and that’s where Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR comes in. We offer a comprehensive roof replacement service designed to replace old or damaged roofs with high-quality, durable new ones. Our Austin roofing team ensures your property remains secure and withstands the elements. Embrace Austin’s unique charm and secure your home’s safety by scheduling a roof replacement with Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR today.
by Brad | Feb 5, 2023 | Austin
Living wage represents a worker’s minimum income to cover their basic needs. Federal and state laws require that employers pay all their workers a minimum rate. This amount is known as minimum wage.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management in 2012, the federal and state minimum wage rates may differ.
In this case, the employee must receive the higher rate among the two.
The Fair Labor Standards Act established the first federal minimum wage in 1938. Workers currently receive a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour in Austin. This rate has been in place since July 2009.
There are 29 states with rates higher than the federal minimum wage, excluding Texas.
The minimum wage in Texas is $7.25 per hour and has been the same since 2009. Employers owe you for overtime if you work more than 40 hours within a week. There are also appropriate rates for overtime.
Thankfully, the Austin City Council recently approved a $20 per hour living wage as part of the 2022-23 fiscal year budget. The initial plan was to increase it from $15 to $18 an hour.
However, the council members pushed it to $20, considering the current economic crisis and its effect on households.
The new rate took effect in October 2022.
Minimum Wage Exemptions for Workers in Austin
Texas defaults to using the federal minimum wage rate because the state does not have one. This is why Austin uses the same rates for workers. Other cities within the state, such as Dallas and Houston, follow the same law.
However, the state has regulations to ensure employers pay employees the proper wages per the law. This should be the same or more than the minimum wage unless the person is an exempt worker.
The list below represents all the minimum wage rates for exempt employees in Austin.
- Tipped workers in Austin have a minimum wage of $2.13 per hour. This comes with a tip credit rate of $5.12.
- Full-time college or high school students that are working are entitled to a minimum wage of $6.16 every hour. These student-workers have a limit of 20 hours every week. Any employer who wants to work them for more hours must pay them the full minimum wage of $7.25.
- Workers under 20 are entitled to a minimum wage of $4.25 per hour for 90 days. An extension requires that they receive the full minimum wage of $7.25 every hour.
- There is also a set minimum wage for people who work overtime. In Austin, the employee must get $10.88 per hour for each hour they work over the 40-hour limit.
- City workers are eligible to receive a minimum wage of $15 per hour, with a likely increase to $22 per hour in the future.
Agricultural Piece Rates in Texas
The Texas Commissioner of Agriculture has piece rates from agricultural commodities commercially grown in substantial quantities within the state. This is possible only when there is sufficient productivity information available.
Piece rates help guarantee harvesters of average ability get paid the minimum wage while making provisions for those producing more to earn more.
The Most Common Minimum Wage Violations
Statistics show that employers make at least one mistake concerning how they pay their workers every month. Whether or not this is intentional can only be established from how the employer reacts when the employee draws their attention to the error.
Some employers only pay their workers for some of the hours they are eligible to or fail to pay them accurate overtime rates. Additionally, some business owners hire people on a commission-only basis to avoid paying them minimum wage.
Federal laws determine how workers should be paid, not the employer. They compel employers to pay hourly employees at least twice every month.
Under these laws, cheated employees can get a court action against their employers to receive fair compensation for their labor.
Read Next Blog: What County Is Austin in? – Get to Know More about Austin, TX
Effects of Minimum Wage Increase – How Businesses Can Prepare for It
A minimum wage increase does not only affect the employees. It also has unintended effects on the business, especially if it needs to make more profit. This is why employers should have contingencies for situations such as an increase in the minimum wage.
Below are some options available for a business owner in such a situation
You can put your cash flow in order and create an affordable hiring plan as a business owner. Sometimes you might have to hire temporary staff instead of full-time workers since it gives you the same productivity at a lower cost.
Having to replace employees all the time is expensive. It doesn’t just cost you money but also time and effort. You can reduce the cost of recruiting and training when you put in the effort to hire good employees for the long term.
Spend time analyzing applicants to find those who fit the culture of the business. Build a connection with your staff and create paths for their development.
- Increase Prices of Goods and Services
A simple way to absorb the cost of paying workers more than an increase in the minimum wage is to increase the price of your goods and services. Forget the competition. They can only sustain their business if they keep their prices the same. The cost of doing business will force them to do the same.
There are aspects of business operations you can automate to reduce production costs. You can include this in your business operations and avoid paying minimum wage to a person you hire.
The Final Verdict
Federal and state laws demand that you get paid a minimum wage as a worker in Austin. This is currently $7.25 per hour, similar to the federal minimum wage.
However, the living wage is higher in Austin. That is why most business owners in the city will pay more than $7.25 even though the law doesn’t compel them.
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