Discover the Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas

Texas is an inviting location for both leisure and work. There’s truly something for everyone. Maybe what is attracting you is the exceptional weather with 232 sunny days a year, the rich and diverse food and entertainment scenes, or the temptation of no state income taxes. In this article, we explore the reasons behind Texas' thriving economy and, regardless, of which of the best places to live in the Lone Star State you’re in or planning to move to, here are the highest-paying jobs in Texas.

Texas’s Economic Landscape

When it comes to describing Texas’ economic climate, two words immediately come to mind: diversity and growth. The Lone Star State boasts an impressive GDP of $2.1 trillion. It is only second to California in the nation, and it even surpasses countries like Spain, South Korea, or Brazil.

Texas can count on a variety of leading industries including:

• healthcare
• technology
• manufacturing
• energy

This diversity is the secret to a robust buffer against economic fluctuations, allowing Texas to weather storms that might impact more specialized economies.

Texas has experienced remarkable and consistent growth over the years. Many factors have contributed to this, including:

• A business-friendly environment with no corporate or personal income tax, that houses 55 Fortune 500 companies, which in turn offer some of the highest-paying jobs in Texas.
• A favorable central geographical position that takes advantage of trade and immigration.
• A solid infrastructure of public roads, ports, and investment in rail and air networks.

On top of this, Texans’ entrepreneurial spirit and innovation-driven mindset can also be linked to their state’s success.

Why Texas is Popular Among Job Seekers

Americans are moving to the South and Texas is one their hottest destinations. And excellent weather year-round is not the only reason for it. There are many other advantages of building a life here:

Plenty of Opportunities

Firstly, the job market is booming. As more companies are moving their headquarters to Texas, an abundance of opportunities across every industry are emerging. Companies such as Tesla, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Caterpillar Inc, Oracle, Axiom, and Charles Schwab are adding to the list of highest-paying jobs in Texas.

More for Less

A lower cost of living than in other major states is another big draw to the state. Particularly, while the housing market can be competitive, it’s still relatively affordable with a median home price of $302,281. This means that overall, you can achieve higher standards of living for less.

Quality Of Life

Texas residents enjoy a variety of cultural and recreational activities that can support city and country lifestyles alike. Are you a foodie? You won’t be disappointed by the diverse culinary scene.

Nature lover? You’ll find 90 state parks, plenty of rivers and streams, and an incredible coastline stretching for 360 miles. Sports fan? You’ll be cheering one of the top college and professional teams in the state in no time.

Texas’s Key Industries

Texas’s prosperity is the result of an economic fabric made of diverse advanced industries. Below are the most important.

Energy

Texas is the top U.S. producer of crude oil and natural gas. It is to home to one-fourth of the nation’s natural gas reserves and around 480,000 miles of pipelines to move it. Jobs in oil and gas are abundant in Houston, Odessa, and Midland especially.

Thanks to its geographical diversity it’s also big in renewal energy, especially wind turbines and biodiesel production in the South of the state. With such important industries, it doesn’t come as a surprise that this sector also offers some of the highest-paying jobs in Texas.

Petroleum Refining and Chemical Products

Other crucial industries employing people in some of the highest-paying jobs in Texas, and the U.S. overall, are petroleum refining and petrochemical production. Over 75,000 people work in the world’s largest petrochemical congregate in Houston. Meanwhile refineries in Irving, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, and Port Arthur produce roughly 5.9 million barrels of crude oil per day.

Advanced Manufacturing

High-tech manufacturing, ranging from electronics to motor vehicles, is a vital part of the Jumbo State’s economy. So much so that it has made the “Made in Texas” brand one of the most prominent. Affordable property and a major infrastructure network are just two of the reasons why companies keep flocking to Texas for their manufacturing operations. You can find manufacturing roles especially in Plano, San Antonio, Arlington, and Austin.

Aerospace, Aviation and Defense

Texas is also a pivotal player in the aerospace, aviation, and defense industries. This is mainly due to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, two bustling airports, and a hub for maintenance, repair and overhaul for the U.S. Air Force in San Antonio.

Aerospace activities include commercial space travel and military pilot training. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is also home to the headquarters of American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Information Technology

Texas commands a strong presence in information technology with companies like Oracle and AT&T driving innovation. A long list of technology-related patents, world-class universities, and venture capital in R&D are other crucial ingredients for this recipe. Finally, the U.S. Army also chose Austin for its Army Futures Command, which powers its science and technology development.

Life Science and Biotechnology

Texas shines bright with its biotech and world-class medical centers as well, including:

• the Anderson Cancer Center, the world’s largest cancer hospital in Houston
• the Texas Medical Center (TMC) in Houston
• the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) in Austin
• seven of the nation’s top 125 medical schools
• worldwide pharmaceuticals in Houston, Irving, and Fort Worth

Job Market Trends to Be Aware

Texas’s job market keeps growing at a steady pace thanks to its pro-business environment and population surge. This makes the demand for skilled professionals rise across various sectors. Software development, data analytics and cyber security are experiencing the strongest growth when it comes to technology domains.

The state’s population is rapidly increasing and will need more medical care because of the growing aging population. As a result, the healthcare industry is expanding, granting some of the highest-paying jobs in Texas. Renewable energy and sustainability-related jobs are also rising as we slowly transition to cleaner and more sustainable practices.

The commitment to innovation and growth can also be seen in a thriving gig economy. You’ll find particularly opportunities in transportation as well as freelance work in many corporate and creative industries.

The Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas

So, what are the highest-paying jobs in Texas? We analyzed the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to find out:

Physicians and Surgeons: $413,510 to $250,850 per Year

Are you a healthcare professional? You have reasons to rejoice. Out of the top 10 paid professionals in Texas, nine are healthcare practitioners, particularly physicians or surgeons.

To secure one of these highly specialized roles you must obtain a medical degree and then complete a residency program, which can take between 10 and 14 years in total. Here is the complete list and their median annual wages:

1. cardiologists: $413,510
2. pediatric surgeons: $365,130
3. ophthalmologists, except pediatric: $338,400
4. surgeons (except oral and maxillofacial surgeons): $331,980
5. anesthesiologists: $298,710
6. radiologists: $297,320
7. obstetricians and gynecologists: $294,250
8. pathologist physicians: $276,750
9. all other physicians: $274,650
10. general pediatricians: $250,850

CEO: $314,060 per Year

Chief executive, or CEOs, are top-tier executives, so it’s not surprising that these are some of the highest-paying jobs in Texas. CEOs are responsible for leading organizations and making high-level strategic decisions. To become one, you’ll need a bachelor's degree, or better yet an MBA, and have almost a decade of experience in your industry.

Airline Pilot: $212,940 per Year

As highly skilled professionals, airline pilots and copilots are trained to operate aircraft and ensure the safety of passengers and cargo during flights. To become a pilot, you’ll have to undergo rigorous training to obtain a commercial pilot’s license and an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Then, you’ll have to maintain your skills with ongoing training.

Athlete or Sports Competitor: $189,800 per Year

Texas is well-known for various colleges, universities, and professional sports teams. The most famous ones creating some of the highest-paying jobs in Texas are the NBA teams the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Houston Rockets; plus the NFL team the Dallas Cowboys. Becoming a professional athlete usually involves starting at a young age, participating in competitive leagues, and getting noticed by universities scouts.

Architectural and Engineering Managers: $168,180 per Year

Texas has some of the best infrastructure in the country, so it constantly needs professionals to manage the planning, implementation, and control of architectural and engineering projects. To secure a role as engineering manager, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or related field. Then, you’ll have to gain experience in the field to eventually move to a management role.

Lawyer: $166,620 per Year

Lawyers and attorneys provide professional advice, represent clients in legal actions and advocate for their interests. If you aspire to become a lawyer, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree, followed by a Juris Doctor degree. Then, you’ll have to gain experience working in a law firm and obtain licensure by passing the bar exam.

Financial Manager: $163,020 per Year

A company’s financial health depends on their financial managers. These professionals are crucial for budgeting, financial reporting, and investment strategies. In this position, you typically hold an MBA or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, and some years of experience in managerial roles.

Computer and Information Systems Manager: $156,150 per Year

These professionals are responsible for firms’ technology infrastructures, including networks, databases, and software systems. They also make sure that resources are in line with business goals and operate efficiently. Get a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar domain and accumulate experience in IT to start a career as an information system manager.

Petroleum Engineer: $150,860 per Year

Petroleum engineers specialize in designing and implementing methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs to power Texas’s cities. To become a petroleum engineer, it’s essential you complete a bachelor’s degree and get hands-on experience through internships or entry-level roles. Advanced degrees can also be very helpful to improve your job prospects.

The Highest-Paying Majors to Study in Texas

When grouping the highest-paying jobs in Texas by major and comparing their mean annual salaries to the average of all occupations ($57,300 per year) the following come out on top:

1. legal occupations, $123,480
2. management occupations, $119,540
3. computer and mathematical occupations, $98,210
4. architecture and engineering occupations, $93,940
5. healthcare practitioners and technical occupations, $89,750
6. business and financial operations occupations, $80,280
7. life, physical, and social science occupations, $79,060

How to Tap into Texas’s Lucrative Job Market

Looking to make the jump into Texas’s thriving job scene? You’re on the right track. Here are some simple yet effective strategies to help you land those high-paying opportunities:

1. Define Your Target with Precision

Take time to clarify your career goals to get positive results in your job search. Identifying exactly what you need in a role will steer the direction of your search and ensure that you focus your energy on positions that align with your interests, skills, and long-term objectives.

2. Build Your Own Brand

Regardless of which of the highest-paying jobs in Texas you’re looking for, invest time and effort in building your online presence. Stay active on professional social media platforms and showcase your projects and talents. Depending on your field, you can also go as far as creating a personal website and uploading your portfolio to demonstrate your expertise.

3. Embrace Continuous Learning and Skill Development

The job market is continuously evolving. To stay competitive, commit to ongoing learning. Attend workshops, webinars or pursue online courses to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. Demonstrating a willingness to adapt and learn will make you more attractive to any employer.

4. Learn to Network Like a Pro

Focus on forging connections. Attend industry events and join local professional groups and online networking platforms that facilitate encounters with professional peers and mentors. Stay in contact with alumni and former colleagues as well. You’d be surprised by how many of the highest-paying jobs in Texas are filled by employee referrals or word of mouth.

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to stretching your web of contacts. Networking can happen everywhere. Whether you’re at the gym, waiting to pick up your kids from school, or at the hairdresser’s, simply talk to people.

5. Optimize Your Resume

Carefully tailor your resume to each job you’re applying for, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences. Keep it clean and easy to read to make sure it passes applicant tracking system (ATS) screenings and human reviewers alike.

Highlight your achievements with clear industry metrics, rather than simply listing past responsibilities. Employers love to see concrete results, so this will help you introduce yourself with an objective idea of what you’re capable of.

Secure One of the Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas Today

Can’t wait to settle in the Lone Star State and enjoy its unique culture? Rely on Monster’s 30 years of experience in the recruitment field to help you find your next high-paying role in Texas. Create a free candidate account and upload your resume. Plus, activate custom alerts to receive all the latest job openings matching your profile.