Mayor John Whitmire signed an executive order raising wages for contracted Houston airport workers to $20 an hour and eventually to $23 by 2028.
HOUSTON — Houston Mayor John Whitmire signed an executive order Tuesday raising wages for contracted workers at the city’s airports.
The order raises the minimum wage to $20 an hour for workers employed by airlines, concessionaires and their contractors. The wage will increase to $21 an hour in January before gradually reaching $23 an hour in 2028.
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The increase applies to contracts at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport.
Whitmire said the higher wages will help Houston Airports retain experienced employees and improve service for travelers.
“Improving working conditions and the quality of life for airport workers benefits all Houstonians and our millions of visitors,” Whitmire said.
According to the city, this is the first wage increase for Houston airport workers since 2023. Officials said wages had not kept pace with the rising cost of rent, groceries, gas and utilities.
Union leaders also said better pay could reduce employee turnover and help airports operate more smoothly.
“I am not going to have to worry so much about paying my bills,” said Augusta Dillon, a toolroom agent at Bush Airport and a member of SEIU Texas. “We’re paving the way for a better future for Houston and Texas workers.”
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