In this article, we will explore 17 of the top high-paying careers in Texas in 2023. From healthcare to technology, finance, and engineering, these industries are expected to continue their growth trend in the coming years. We will also provide salary ranges for each of these careers, based on data from reliable sources.
Texas, with its thriving economy, low cost of living, and abundant job opportunities, has become one of the most popular states for job seekers and professionals alike. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to start your career or an experienced professional seeking a change, Texas offers a variety of high-paying career options to choose from.
Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about your career path, taking into account both your personal interests and the financial rewards that come with each profession. So, whether you’re a Texan or considering a move to the Lone Star State, let’s dive into the top high-paying careers that await you in Texas in 2023.
Table of contents
High Paying Careers in Texas
Below are the 17 high paying careers in Texas in 2023:
1. Surgeons
Salary Range – $174,120 to $298,000
Surgeons are one of the most profitable careers in Texas Surgeons treat many illnesses and carry out different corrective procedures on their patients. The two high-paying surgeon career in Texas is reconstructive and oncology surgery.
Also, the increase in plastic surgery has increased the demand for surgeons. Texas is one of those cities in the US known to have a lot of cosmetic surgery enthusiasts, especially in the urban metro areas.
To be a surgeon, you must have attended medical school and have additional certifications in specialized field training.
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2. Computer Systems Analyst
Salary Range – $80,418 to $91,00
It is estimated that there will be a 9% increase in the employment rate of Computer system analysts from 2021 to 2031.
Due to the rise of digitalization and the popularity of the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for computer system analysts will increase. In addition, it is one of those profitable jobs you can run remotely in Texas. You can simply work without leaving your home or operate on a hybrid basis.
To be a computer system analyst, you must have a background in computer science coupled with specialized certifications and training in computer system analysis.
3. Financial Manager
Salary Range: $89,500 – $186,300
The U.S. Bureau of Labor has projected that there will be a 17% growth in the employment rate of financial managers.
Financial managers help in drafting data analysis on the country’s financial state and advise companies and individuals on ideas to maximize profit at that moment; this entails taking advantage of investment options and developing a long-term financial plan.
To be a financial manager, you must have a finance, accounting, or management background, with specialized training and experience in financial and investment matters.
4. Software Developer
Salary Range: $81,900 – $94,124
Houston, Texas, appears as one of the highest states for software developers. Being a software developer is not only rewarding, but it is a sustainable career. It is projected that the employment rate of software developers will increase by 25% from 2021 to 2031 in the United States.
Software development, especially gaming software, is taking the lead in profit. To be a software developer, you must have a computer science degree and specialized software development certifications.
5. Pharmacists
Salary Range: $84,282 – $151,800
Texas is one of the most populated states in the US; as such, there is an increasing demand for the healthcare industry, creating great opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry, especially in the urban metro areas.
To be a pharmacist, you must have a degree in pharmacy and be duly licensed by the legal body to begin operation.
6. Physical therapists
Salary Range: $63,438 – $82,780
Texas is the third-best state for physical therapists, with an average of 1,1500 job openings annually, projected from 2018 to 2028.
Additionally, being a physical therapist is highly rewarding in Texas. Texas is known for high school sports, which makes the demand for physical therapists at high schools high.
To be a physical therapist, you must have a degree in physical therapy and sit for the state license examination, and be duly certified.
7. Aerospace Engineers
Salary Range: $95,160 – $122,270
This is one of the high-paying careers in Texas, especially in Houston and Dallas urban metro areas. It projected that job openings for aerospace engineers would increase in Texas and pay higher than regular jobs.
To be an aerospace engineer, you must have a degree in aerospace engineering and be well-licensed by the engineering body.
8. Special Education Teachers:
Salary Range: $58,000 – $77,220
There is an increase in the demand for special education teachers in Texas. They are more in demand than typical teachers.
In addition to the job being rewarding, it is a noble way that is very satisfying. To be a special education teacher, you must have a background in special education teaching. Also, you must demonstrate traits of patience, tolerance, compassion, and empathy.
9. Dentist
Salary Range: $184,410 – $203,000
Dentists are doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating issues that affect the oral health of individuals.
Dentistry is a rewarding career; apart from that, they are in high demand in the
United States, and Texas record as the second-highest employer of dentists. Longview in Texas is one of the highest-paying metro areas.
To become a dentist, you must have completed a dental program and be licensed to begin operating.
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10. Family Physician
Salary Range – $200,000 – $250,000
Family Physician operates in the same capacity as general practitioner. They treat various health issues and sometimes specialize in pediatrics, emergency, and internal medicine.
To become a family physician, you must have a medical program in a certified medical school and additional field experience for a minimum of one to three years.
11. Gynecology and Obstetrics Physician
Salary Range: $170,000 to $194,430
Gynecology and obstetrics physicians are specialized doctors who diagnose and treat females with reproductive issues, including cancers specific to women, such as ovarian and cervical cancer and menopause.
Killeen-Temple is the highest-paying metro area for GYNS/OBS in Texas. Other metro areas that pay well are Houston and Dallas.
12. Vice Presidents, Engineering
Salary Range: $150,000 – $239,000
Engineering is a broad field with various specializations. The Vice president of engineering fills an executive role and oversees the engineering operations department.
Engineering vice presidents may not necessarily be engineers; they can be individuals from managerial backgrounds.
Companies such as CommScope and Spectrum in Houston pay their Vice presidents of engineering an annual salary of over $200,000.
13. Vice President, Marketing
Salary Range – $239,060 to $250,000
The Vice president of Marketing is among the organization’s executive arm. They work directly under the CEO or president and design marketing strategies, ensuring the company ensures its goals in the long term.
Vice Presidents in Marketing earn very high salaries in Texas, especially those working in Fortune 500 Companies.
Also, Houston, Sugar Land, Woodlands, and Midland employ some of the highest-paid vice presidents in marketing in Texas.
14. Pilot
Salary Range: $194,100 to $220,000
Texas is the second-highest state for commercial pilots and airline employees in the United States. Also, they offer high salaries to flight engineers, airline pilots, and copilots.
Major airlines such as Southwest and American pay very high, headquartered in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Also, it is estimated that the employment growth rate of pilots will see a 13% increase from 2020 to 2030.
To become a pilot, you must have a degree us aviation and aeronautics and be licensed before operating.
15. Chef Technology Officers (CTO)
Salary Range: $158.010 – 186,000
Chief Technology Officers are part of the executive arm that directly oversees and directs the tech operations in an organization. They design, implement and direct significant technological upgrades to ensure the organization’s sustainability and profitability.
To become a CTO, you must have a background in Information Technology and relevant years of experience.
CTOs have a growth projection rate of 11% from 2020 to 2030 in the US, and Texas is the second-highest employer of information and technology managers, including CTOs.
Also, see: What is the Best Career for 2023?
16. Oral Surgeon
Salary Range: $184 – $300,000
The US Bureau of Labour Statistics stated that oral surgeons in Woodlands, Houston, and Sugar Land metro areas are among the United States’ top earners.
Also, Texas was ranked fifth highest state in the concentration of oral surgeons, with the highest concentration in the Houston metro areas.
Oral surgeons treat and operate on a patient’s dental cavities, including the jaw. They even perform surgery on the head, neck, and mouth to correct defective regions.
To become an oral surgeon, you must attend a medical school to be certified, with additional specialized training in dentistry.
17. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Salary Range: $239,060 – $250,000
CEOs are known as managing directors, executive directors, or presidents. They occupy the highest positions in firms and nonprofit organization and oversees the company in ensuring it attains productivity and sustainable goals.
The requirements to be a CEO is high, and it requires a bachelor’s and Master’s degree; MBAs are preferable, coupled with relevant years of experience and a track record of success.
FAQs – Careers in Texas
Texas comprises both rural and urban areas, with Houston being the most diverse metropolitan region of the state,
The cost of living in Texas is 93.9, which is lower than the national index of 100. The cost of housing is low compared to states like Florida and New York. So it is easier for you to work and buy a house here than in some states.
Additionally, Texas urban metro areas are high employers centers for those in healthcare, engineering, business, and aeronautics. The buzzing and entertaining life of the urban metro areas is an added advantage.
In Texas, the minimum wage is $7.25 per hour as of March 2022. The
Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s living wage calculation states that the minimum wage is very meager. Texans may struggle to get their basic needs sorted out and be unable to afford the luxury of improving their quality of life.
The urban metro areas such as Houston and Dallas offer high salaries for those in healthcare, tech, corporate organization, and specialist. While areas like Houston suburbs, Odessa, and Midland provide high salaries for engineers and executives in the petroleum industry.
Conclusion
Texas is a city where you can build a successful career. All you have to do is decide which career path to follow and get the necessary certification, training, and experience.
The high-paying career in Texas is concentrated in the Health care, Technology, and Corporate Business field.
References
- BIS Gov – Computer Information and Technology
- U.S Bureau of Labor
- Berxi.com
- US Bureau of Labour – Surgeons
- Powerwizard.com
- Texas Minimum Wage
