Does My Employer Have to Pay for My Texas Food Handler or TABC Card?

In most cases, no. There is no Texas law that specifically requires an employer to pay for your food handler card or TABC certification. Because the card belongs to you and goes with you from job to job, it is generally treated as a personal expense — though some employers do choose to cover it.

The certification is yours personally and transfers to any Texas employer, so the cost typically falls to the employee. Some larger chains reimburse new hires or run their own training, but the majority of local restaurants and stores expect you to already have a valid card before your first shift.

The good news: at $9.99 it is one of the most affordable ways to make your application stand out. Showing up already certified tells a hiring manager you are ready to work on day one.