It’s unsurprising that many would want to pursue a career in the Lone Star State. Texas ranks 22nd among US states for opportunities and affordability. It also has a strong economy. Near the end of 2021, it surpassed its pre-pandemic employment level. If you’re looking for information on the highest-paying jobs in Texas, then you’ve come to the right place.
Some of the best jobs in Texas are in the healthcare and technology sectors, and many of them don’t require a college degree. These growing sectors offer many great opportunities for people looking to start a career in Texas.
Texas Economic Outlook
Texas is often regarded as the best state for business because of its strong economy and low cost of living. As a result, the economy is doing very well. The unemployment rate is low, and the economy has gained steam since the early days of the pandemic. Because Texas’s economy is very diverse, it is resilient and can withstand downturns.
According to a Rich States, Poor States report, Texas is the ninth-best state in terms of its economic outlook and the best overall in terms of economic performance. This benefits job seekers because it suggests that Texas is an excellent place to live and work, with a strong economy and many job opportunities.
The Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas
| Job Title | Average Salary in Texas | Average Salary in the US |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Surgeon | $243,861 | $301,828 |
| Surgeon | $210,407 | $248,104 |
| Physician | $172,216 | $209,044 |
| Family Practitioner | $144,499 | $154,592 |
| Software Engineering Manager | $134,686 | $144,093 |
| Nuclear Medicine Physician | $129,692 | $154,579 |
| Podiatrist | $116,886 | $130,496 |
| Petroleum Engineer | $114,827 | $122,847 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $105,301 | $109,025 |
| Pilot | $105,201 | $108,921 |
The Best Jobs in Texas: Explained
Choosing a career path is a personal choice. Some of the highest-paying occupations are those in the business and medical industries. But consider a job in healthcare or teaching if your main goal is to have a lot of control over your schedule. Many part-time positions are available in those fields. Texas has a job for everyone, no matter your goals or skills.
1. Oral Surgeon
Like dentists and other dental specialists, the primary duties of oral surgeons are to diagnose and treat oral diseases and ensure the oral health of their patients. They also perform surgeries on the mouth, teeth, and gums, including tooth extractions, jaw operations, and dental implants. Oral surgeons may work in dental research or teaching. The average salary in Texas for an oral surgeon is $243,861.
2. Surgeon
Surgeons do implants and remove or repair organs and tissues in the body. They may work in a hospital, clinic, or other medical setting. A surgeon needs an advanced degree from an affordable medical school and licensure from the state where they practice. The median annual wage for surgeons is high, making it a lucrative career.
3. Physician
Physicians are medical doctors. A general practitioner like a family physician gives preventive care, diagnoses and treats common illnesses, and provides referrals to specialists when needed. They may also offer chronic care to patients with ongoing health problems. They must have an advanced professional degree from an accredited school of medicine and clinical training.
4. Family Practitioner
Family practitioners perform physical exams, diagnose and treat illness, order and interpret tests, and provide preventive care. They also offer counsel on health-related issues. Like other medical professionals, a family practitioner must have a doctoral degree and a license to practice medicine in the United States. They must also complete a residency in family medicine.
5. Software Engineering Manager
The job duties of software engineering managers include managing and overseeing software engineering teams. This includes assigning work, meeting deadlines, and providing support and guidance to team members. Software engineering managers typically have a college degree in computer science or a related field.
6. Nuclear Medicine Physician
Nuclear medicine physicians are doctors who use radioactive materials to diagnose and treat diseases. A nuclear medicine physician may also use diagnostic equipment to diagnose diseases by examining how the body absorbs and uses radioactive material. They must complete four years of medical school and a residency in nuclear medicine.
7. Podiatrists
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating problems with the feet and ankles. For example, a podiatrist may treat conditions such as bunions, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists must have a professional degree from an accredited medical school and be licensed to practice in the state where they work.
8. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers are responsible for exploring, developing, and producing oil and gas reserves. They design and oversee the construction of oil and gas wells and manage the production of these resources. They must be able to think creatively and solve problems to ensure the efficient production of oil and gas.
9. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed additional education and training to provide healthcare services beyond the scope of practice of a registered nurse. Their job duties include providing primary care services, such as diagnosing and treating common illnesses, ordering and interpreting lab tests, and prescribing medications. Some nurse practitioners also specialize in a particular area of health care—neonatal nurses, for example.
10. Pilot
Pilots must have a good understanding of aviation safety and regulations. They must also be able to operate the aircraft safely and efficiently. In addition, pilots must be able to maintain their composure in difficult situations. If you’re wondering how to become a pilot, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent as well as a pilot’s license.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas Without a Degree
- Construction Manager | $74,903. Many construction manager jobs don’t require a college degree. Many construction managers learn on the job and develop their skills through experience. It’s often more practical for someone to enter the field without a degree and then work up the ladder.
- Computer Programmer | $62,917. Computer programmer workers don’t need a degree because they can often learn the necessary skills. Many companies will provide on-the-job training for their computer programmer workers. Additionally, computer programming is a field that is constantly evolving, and companies are hiring computer programmers all the time. So workers can keep up with the latest changes and technologies without having a degree.
- Physical Therapist Assistant | $56,435. Since physical therapist assistants are not licensed to give physical therapy services, they are not required to obtain a bachelor’s degree. They work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
- Installation Manager | $54,486. An installation manager’s job responsibilities may include installing software and hardware, updating programs, and resolving technical issues, but they don’t require a specific level of education.
- Transportation Supervisor | $50,863. Many transportation supervisor jobs don’t require a degree. The skills required for the position, such as managing and organizing transportation, are learned on the job. A degree can be expensive and time-consuming, and the skills learned in a degree program may not be applicable or valuable to a transportation supervisor.
What Is the Cost of Living in Texas?
The cost of living in Texas is $39,661 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’s statistics on personal consumption expenditures, This is lower than the national average, which is due to the lower cost of housing and the lower price of goods and services.
Is Texas a Good Place to Work?
In some ways, Texas is a good place to work. It has a strong economy and a relatively low cost of living. Entry-level workers should be aware, though, that the minimum wage is $7.25, which is the same as the federal minimum wage.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas FAQ
Dallas is the city in Texas with the highest-paying jobs. According to ZipRecruiter, Dallas is followed by Odessa and Austin in second and third place. People love Dallas because of its low cost of living, the abundance of job opportunities, mild climate, diverse culture, and many entertainment and recreational options.
There is no best job in Texas since different people have different preferences and priorities. However, some of the best and highest-paying jobs in Texas are surgeons, family practitioners, and dentists.
One of the highest-paying jobs in Texas that doesn’t require a degree is a physical therapist assistant. They earn an average salary of $56,435. You may want to consider pursuing a degree to become a therapist or physical therapist. This will allow you to make a higher annual salary.
Another high-paying job without a degree is a constructor manager. Construction managers plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects. On average, they earn an annual salary of $74,903.
Nurses, truck drivers, and construction workers are among the most in-demand occupations in Texas, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of these occupations, such as truck drivers and construction workers, don’t need a professional degree or a bachelor’s degree. By contrast, others, such as nurse practitioners, do.
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