11 Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas

Key takeaways

Texas has many high-paying careers for professionals to choose from in a variety of industries, including data science and nursing.

• Between 2024 and 2025, Texas experienced significant job growth, adding 168,000 jobs to its economy [1].

• For many high-paying roles, you may need at least a bachelor’s degree, and in some cases, a graduate degree and a license.

• You can explore high-paying roles in Texas, from jobs in health care like dentists or cardiologists to those in engineering and software development.

Explore some jobs in Texas with a high salary, the requirements of each, and the average earnings to begin planning your professional path forward. Afterward, consider enrolling in the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the tools, languages, and libraries used by professional data scientists, including Python and SQL. Upon completion, in as little as four months, you can add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What are the highest-paying jobs in Texas?

You may find opportunities in Texas in various industries, from health care to technology and manufacturing. It is home to many of the United States’ largest companies, making it an excellent destination for those looking to earn a high salary. Additionally, the Texas employment outlook remains strong, with a sizable workforce that is the largest in the Lone Star state's history, and above-average growth. It also experienced the most significant job increase in the nation, adding 168,000 jobs to its economy between 2024 and 2025 [1]. 

Discover the highest-paying jobs in Texas and the salaries, according to data reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [2]. Also, explore each role's educational requirements and job outlooks to see how they compare to your background and goals. 

1. Cardiologist

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $301,930 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 3 percent [3]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree and medical degree; completion of a residency and fellowship program; proper license and certification

As a cardiologist, you will diagnose, treat, and help prevent illness in the cardiovascular system. Your work will encompass diseases and disorders related to the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease and heart rhythm disorders. You’ll need strong communication skills, compassion, and attention to detail to succeed in this patient-focused, dynamic position.

2. Dermatologist

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $324,730 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2034): 7 percent [4]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree and medical degree; a four-year residency program

Working as a dermatologist, you will diagnose and treat illnesses of the skin, hair, and nails, with some performing surgical operations. In this role, you'll likely be capable of diagnosing over 3,000 medical conditions. Patient education is an important part of your job as a dermatologist. For example, you may need to explain a patient's disease or the preventative measures a patient can take. You’ll need excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills. 

3. Dentist

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $207,300 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent [5]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree; a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from an accredited dental program; specific licenses, certifications, and registrations depending on the specialty 

As a dentist, your job responsibilities will include examining, diagnosing, and treating illnesses of the teeth and gums. Skills to help you succeed include manual dexterity, clear communication, and patience. Patient education is another critical aspect of dental careers, as you will help promote oral health by encouraging proper habits.

Read more: Important Communication Skills and How to Improve Them

4. Nurse anesthetist

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $248,670 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 35 percent [6]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree; an unencumbered license as a registered nurse professional; additional clinical experience; completion of a nurse anesthesia master’s program

As a nurse anesthetist, you will administer anesthesia, monitor vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia, allowing patients to be pain-free or asleep during procedures. Nurse anesthetists must have good critical thinking skills and be compassionate, observant, and detail-oriented.

5. Financial manager

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $172,530 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 percent [7]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in finance or other business-related subjects; five years of professional experience in an area such as accounting or financial analytics

As a financial manager, some of your tasks will include handling investments, building financial reports, and helping organizations develop plans for long-term financial success. Another responsibility you’ll likely engage in is helping with business plan development, allowing companies to maximize value while limiting unnecessary costs. You do not need to earn a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure, but you may benefit from doing so. You must possess analytical and technical skills.

6. Chemical engineer

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $148,690 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 3 percent [8]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemical engineering; additional work experience, such as an internship 

As a chemical engineer, you will solve problems across various industries, such as chemical, energy, oil, biotechnology, and more, using principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics. Advanced math and science knowledge is critical for your success as a chemical engineer. 

7. Air traffic controller

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $155,660 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 1 percent [9]

Requirements: An associate or bachelor’s degree approved by the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiatives; several years of work experience and training; US citizen; 30 years old or younger. 

In this profession, you will coordinate the safe movement of aircraft. You must submit to medical and background checks as an air traffic controller. The skills you need for this line of work include the ability to concentrate for long periods and excellent communication skills.

8. Pharmacist

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $134,880 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 5 percent [10]

Requirements: A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD); a one- to two-year fellowship or residency; a pharmacy license 

As a pharmacist, you distribute medication and educate patients on how to take it correctly and safely. Analytical skills to accurately evaluate the contents of medication are necessary for pharmacists, as are excellent communication skills. Additionally, pharmacists ensure dosages are correct to prevent any adverse drug interactions. 

9. Aerospace engineer

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $130,320 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 6 percent [11]

Requirements: An aerospace engineering bachelor’s degree or a similarly related engineering degree 

As an aerospace engineer, you will design various aircraft and spacecraft, including satellites and missiles. This process includes testing and developing systems and equipment for atmospheric and space flight. A broad knowledge of multidisciplinary, analytical, and computational concepts is essential to succeed in this high-paying career.

10. Software developer

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $133,280 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 percent [12]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer science or IT, or boot camps and similar training programs to develop skills, and a portfolio 

You will design, develop, test, and implement software systems as a software developer. In this dynamic technology-focused position, you’ll create programs and applications using programming languages and testing procedures while collaborating with others on your team. To become a software developer, you must be a skilled computer programmer and problem solver.

11. Data scientist

Mean annual Texas salary (BLS.gov): $114,800 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 34 percent [13]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, math, or a related field; possibly a master’s or doctoral degree

In your work as a data scientist, you will gather amounts of data and design machine learning algorithms and probability models to allow for informed decisions. While colleges and universities now offer data science degrees, computer science, math, or statistics degrees are also common for data scientists since the field is interdisciplinary. You must possess computer programming skills in addition to analytical skills to work as a data scientist.

What is a good salary in Texas?

According to the MIT Living Wage calculator, the living annual wage for one working adult with no children in the state of Texas was $21.82 an hour, as of February 2025 [14]. Your precise living wage may differ based on factors including how many children you have, the number of working individuals in your home, and your overall expenses.

No-fluff help for when you’re stuck

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