SingleMothers.us
Flexible jobs for single mothers in Texas
Texas leaves most workplace rules to federal law, so the state’s child care scholarships and free pre-K matter even more when you plan your hours.
Pay in Texas
Texas adopts the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which has applied since July 24, 2009, and the Texas Workforce Commission enforces it. State law stops cities from setting a higher wage for private employers, so the rate is the same in every city.
No state law sets how private employers must advertise jobs, so pay ranges in Texas job ads are up to the employer. Ask for the pay before you apply.
Leave for parents
Family leave
Texas has no family leave law of its own, so only the federal Family and Medical Leave Act applies. It gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave.
Sick leave
The Texas Workforce Commission says no Texas or federal law requires private employers to give paid or unpaid leave. Since September 1, 2023, state law also stops cities from setting their own leave rules. Ask about paid time off before you accept a job.
Help with child care
Texas runs Child Care Services, which pays child care scholarships for children under 13. The Texas Workforce Commission oversees the program, and 28 local Workforce Development Boards run it. You apply online by creating a Parent Central account and completing the eligibility screener and waitlist application.
For a single-parent family, the program asks for an average of at least 25 hours a week of work, job training or education, and your share of the cost is capped at 7 percent of household income. There may be a waiting list, so apply early.
Free pre-K
Public pre-K is free for children who are 4 by September 1 and meet at least one condition: qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, learning English, being homeless, having a parent in the military, being or having been in the state’s care, or having a parent who is a district teacher. Districts must run it full day for eligible 4-year-olds unless they hold a waiver.
Tax credits
Texas has no personal income tax, so there is no state earned income credit. That makes the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit the ones to claim: our support page explains both.
Getting into work
The Texas Workforce Solutions network of 28 local boards runs Workforce Solutions offices across the state, with free help for job seekers. Insurance agents are licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance. Pharmacy technicians must register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy before they start work.
Questions about working in Texas
What is the minimum wage in Texas in 2026?
$7.25 an hour. Texas adopts the federal minimum wage, and state law stops cities from setting a higher rate for private employers.
How many hours do I need to work to get child care help in Texas?
For a single-parent family, the Child Care Services program asks for an average of at least 25 hours a week of work, job training or education. Your share of the cost is capped at 7 percent of household income.
Who gets free pre-K in Texas?
Children who are 4 by September 1 and meet at least one condition, such as qualifying for free or reduced-price school meals, learning English, being homeless or having a parent in the military. Districts must offer it full day for eligible 4-year-olds.
Send us the hours you can keep
Send us your hours and your Texas ZIP code. We look for flexible roles near you, or remote roles open to Texas residents.