Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Texas 2024 (Inc Salaries)

If you want to live comfortably in Texas, check out our guide on the highest-paying jobs in the state of Texas. This includes job outlook, work description, earning potential, and qualifications.

“Everything is bigger in Texas.”

This saying isn’t just about the state’s big land area, enormous meats, and giant servings of food. It also applies to their strong economy that offers a wide range of opportunities for all types of job-seekers. With an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is lower than the national average, more and more students and experienced professionals are seeking jobs in this area.

Not only that, but the state also has a cost of living along with higher salaries—an important factor for most job hunters.

So before you get started on your job search, you first need to identify which industries offer the best salaries in Lone Star state.

That said, take a look at our list of the 10 highest-paying jobs in Texas below.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Texas 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Fun Fact: you can find the best-paying positions in the biggest cities and metro areas in Texas, such as Houston, Dallas, San Antoni, and Fort Worth.

1. Physician

Physicians or medical doctors are healthcare experts who diagnose, treat, and manage all types of illnesses and injuries, including acute, chronic, and emergency diseases. They also educate patients regarding health maintenance, medication information, and disease prevention.

Their duties and focus may vary depending on their specialization, and here are the most popular ones:

• Neurologists treat any conditions that affect the spine, brain, and nerves.

• Cardiologists attend to cardiovascular conditions, including diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels.

• Internal Medicine Physicians specialize in managing chronic conditions in adult patients.

• Anesthesiologists focus on providing anesthesia-related care to patients before, during, and after the surgery.

• Pediatricians specialize in delivering care to children from birth to young adulthood.

• Obstetricians and Gynecologists provide disease management for diseases that affect the female reproductive system. They also offer preventive care and support during pregnancy, menopause, and delivery.

Educational Requirements

Becoming a medical doctor is a long process, and these include:

• bachelor’s degree in life sciences,

• passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT),

• medical degree after finishing medical school,

• medical licensure by passing the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE),

• and completing residency and fellowship training.

After completing these steps, you can already work as a family physician or general practitioner.

If you want to specialize in any of the areas of medicine we mentioned, you need to obtain certification from the corresponding American Board of Physicians.

Job Outlook

Medical and healthcare jobs are expected to go up by 3%, which is equivalent to 24,200 job openings yearly until 2032.

Potential Earnings

According to the salary data provided by Glassdoor, the salary range for physicians in Texas is $193,400 (Pediatrician) to $453,900 (Cardiologist).

2. Chief Executive Officer

CEOs hold the top management position in a company, and their main task is to oversee and make all the major decisions regarding the organization’s performance and operations.

Key responsibilities include communicating with the board, maintaining the company's public image, establishing work culture, developing business plans and budgets, formulating product vision and strategy, and handling public relations.

Educational Requirements

The minimum educational requirement for CEOs is a Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree.

However, more than the educational background, the most important credential for this position is work experience. Most employers prefer candidates with decades of experience in the industry, including extensive managerial experience.

Job Outlook

The overall need for top executives, including CEOs, is expected to increase by 3%.

This fast-as-the-average growth rate is equivalent to 311,600 annual job openings until 2032.

Potential Earnings

The national average salary for CEOs is $388,000, making it the second-highest paying job in Texas. It also ranks 1st among the highest paying jobs in the USA.

3. Radiologist

Radiologists are physicians who specialize in using medical imaging equipment such as X-ray machines, PET and CT scans, MRI, and many more.

Their main responsibility is to capture pictures and interpret the different organs inside the body with the goal of diagnosing a disease or assisting with and identifying potential treatment options.

Educational Requirements

The initial steps to becoming a radiologist are very much like those of physicians. These include a science-related bachelor's degree, medical school, passing the USMLE, residency, and fellowship programs.

The process differs in the last step, which is to obtain board certification. To become a radiologist, you need to earn your board certification from either the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology or the American Board of Radiology.

Job Outlook

There are currently 1,590 employed radiologists in Texas, making it the 5th state with the highest level of employment for the said profession.

The overall US demand for this occupation is expected to go up by 3% in the next few years.

Potential Earnings

The salary estimate for radiologists in Texas is $376,700. Additionally, they are also sometimes given an estimated cash bonus of $78,900.

4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

The main responsibility of oral surgeons is to perform reconstructive or corrective dental surgery in the oral and maxillofacial regions, including the head, jaws, necks, and face.

With their surgical expertise, they attend to more complicated dental and maxillofacial conditions like dental implants, impacted teeth, jaw and mouth tumors and cysts, and many more.

Since they also have medical degrees, they are also authorized to deliver anesthetics to patients.

Educational Requirements

The first step to becoming an oral surgeon is a pre-dental program or a science-related undergraduate degree.

After that, you need to go into dental school to get your Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

Lastly, you need to complete a residency program and board certification that combines oral surgery residency and medical education.

In between these, you also need to pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), dental licensing examination, and certification exams.

Job Outlook

Categorized by BLS as physicians, the demand for oral surgeons is expected to increase by 3% until 2032.

Potential Earnings

The annual salary for an oral surgeon in Texas is $315,200. In addition to this, they may also receive an average cash bonus of $52,000.

5. Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment, diagnosis, and management of behavioral, emotional, and mental conditions.

Although the scope of their work overlaps with that of a psychologist, there are still a few key differences to take note of.

With their extensive medical background, they have the authority to prescribe medications, conduct neuropsych evaluations, and order lab tests.

More than that, they also attend to more complicated mental health conditions like trauma disorders, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunctions, schizophrenia, and many more.

Educational Requirements

It takes about at least 12 years to become a psychiatrist. The long process includes a bachelor's degree (preferably in psychology), medical school to earn your medical degree, and a residency program.

In between these, you also need to successfully pass a few tests, including the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), and the board certification examination provided by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

Job Outlook

Texas currently has 1,480 employed psychiatrists, making it the 3rd state to have the highest level of employment for this role.

On top of that, the overall US demand for physicians will rise by 3%.

Potential Earnings

In Texas, experts in this profession earn an average salary of $256,000 with an additional cash bonus of $31, 400 depending on the company policy and salary structure.

6. Orthodontist

Orthodontists are the types of dentists who specialize in a specific kind of dental issue-- teeth and jaw misalignment.

Some of the dental conditions they attend to include jaw misalignment, wide gaps between teeth, crooked and crowded teeth, and overbites and underbites.

Their main responsibility is to improve the patient’s bite through different types of orthodontic treatment options such as retainers, braces, Invisalign, and many more.

Educational Requirements

While there’s no specific requirement for the type of undergraduate degree, it’s recommended that you complete a bachelor’s degree in a science-related industry.

After that, you need to pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to get into the dental school.

Upon graduating from dental school, you need to pass the National Board Dental Examination to earn your dental license. At this point, you can already work as a dentist.

To take on the orthodontist role, you'll need to complete the orthodontist residency program and earn certifications and licenses in this specialization.

Job Outlook

Categorized under the dentistry industry, BLS projects that the need for orthodontists will go up by 4%. This is equivalent to 5, 100 annual job openings every year in the next few years.

Potential Earnings

In Texas, orthodontists make an annual median wage of $221,500 along with a potential yearly cash bonus of $50,000.

7. Nurse Anesthetist

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced nurse practitioners who specialize in delivering anesthesia-related care and pain relief interventions to surgical patients before, during, and after surgery.

Their job duties include assessing and monitoring the patient, educating them about the side effects and risks of receiving anesthesia, and delivering the right dose and type of anesthesia at the right time.

Educational Requirements

In addition to a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN), you also need to complete an advanced nursing degree like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

On top of these, you also need to pass the NCLEX and a specialty-specific national certification examination and earn years of experience working as a nurse.

Job Outlook

As of now, Texas has about 2,880 CRNA positions, making them the 4th state to have the highest employment level for the said position.

The overall employment for nurse anesthetists in the US will grow by 38%, which is equivalent to 29,200 annual job openings in the next few years.

Potential Earnings

The average salary for nurse anesthetists in Texas is around $211,300. They may also get a potential cash bonus of $21,700 per year.

8. Airline Pilot

An airline pilot is a professional pilot who operates a commercial aircraft and is in charge of carrying either passengers or cargo or both from one location to another.

Aside from aircraft operation, they are also responsible for performing pre-flight instrument checks, verifying the fuel supply level and weather conditions, formulating flight plans, and working and communicating with air traffic control for navigation and landing.

Educational Requirements

A bachelor's degree in aeronautical science will prepare you for a piloting career. After that, you need to obtain the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA.

To qualify for this certification, you need to pass the theoretical and practical test conducted by the FAA and secure a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating and a commercial airline pilot license.

Job Outlook

There are currently 9,190 employed airline pilots in Texas, making it the 2nd state with the highest level of employment for the flight industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of both airline and commercial pilots in the US will grow by 4% in the next few years. This means that the flight sector will generate about 16,800 job openings every year until 2032.

Potential Earnings

In Texas, airline pilots are paid an average pay of $201,800. Additionally, they may also get an estimated bonus of $38,400.

9. Ophthalmologist

Also known as eye doctors or surgeons, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of eye and vision disorders and problems.

Same with optometrists and opticians, they also conduct eye examinations and vision testing and provide eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions.

On top of that, they are also trained to perform eye surgeries, including cataract surgery, eye injury repair, laser surgery, and eye misalignment correction treatment.

Lastly, they are also skilled in removing and managing cancers from the eye.

Educational Requirements

Start your career in ophthalmology with a pre-med program or a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.

After that, you need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to qualify for medical school.

Upon graduating from medical school, you should pass the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and complete a one-year internship.

Lastly, you need to finish 3 years of ophthalmology residency.

Job Outlook

Texas currently employs over 990 ophthalmologists, making it the 2nd state with the highest level of employment for this role.

BLS categorizes ophthalmologists under the physicians and surgeons sector, and this industry is expected to have a growth rate of 3% in the next few years.

Potential Earnings

The average annual salary for an ophthalmologist in Texas is $163,300. The position also comes with a potential cash bonus of $16,000.

10. Petroleum Engineer

Also known as gas engineers, petroleum engineers specialize in the extraction and exploration of natural gas and oils.

In addition to discovering new ways of oil and gas extraction, they are also responsible for developing drilling plans, designing extraction equipment, and conducting analysis, surveys, and testing of the wells and reservoir.

Educational Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering will get you into the industry. After that, you need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to be qualified for entry-level engineering jobs or internships.

Once you have gotten the required work experience, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam under the petroleum category to land a petroleum engineering position.

Job Outlook

There are currently 11,120 employed petroleum engineers in Texas, making it the top state with the highest employment level for the said occupation.

The overall need for petroleum engineers in the US is predicted to go up by 2%, which is equivalent to 1, 200 job openings every year until 2032.

Potential Earnings

In Texas, petroleum engineers earn a state average salary of $122,200 per year and an estimated cash bonus of $18,000 in the form of cash bonuses.

Other positions in Texas that pay well are Flight Engineers and Copilots ($121,100), Frac Sand Drivers ($112,000), Athletes and Sports Competitors ($99,300), and Public Relations Managers ($76,900).

Conclusion

Getting any of these jobs is the key to thriving and living comfortably in Texas. But with the increasing competition and higher number of applicants, it’s easier said than done.

Because of this, it’s important now more than ever that you obtain advanced degrees that can increase your employment prospects, and an online MBA or BBA degree is one of those.

If you're ready to take your career to the next level, let Nexford help you out. This online American university offers online BBA and MBA programs designed to help you master relevant workplace competencies and in-demand skills most employers need.

FAQs

What is the highest-paying job in Texas in 2024?

Cardiologists will have the highest salary in Texas in 2024. According to Glassdoor, this profession has a pay range of $340,000 to $636,000, with an average annual pay of $453, 900.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Texas jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

With an expected growth rate of 38%, nurse anesthetist, along with other advanced nurse practitioners, will be the fastest-growing job in Texas.

What is the best career path in Texas in 2024?

The medical and healthcare industry will be the best career path in Texas since seven out of the ten occupations in the list belong to this sector.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Texas jobs?

These high-paying jobs require a combination of soft and hard skills.

The needed soft skills include teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, critical thinking, time management, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, having leadership and management skills can increase the chances of getting a promotion and salary increase.

And, of course, it's also important to have extensive knowledge and technical know-how of your chosen field.

Download our Free Report here to know which skills you need to develop for your target occupation.

What qualifications are required for high-paying Texas jobs?

The qualifications required for high-paying jobs in the state vary depending on the industry. For example, the healthcare and medical industry requires either a doctorate or a medical degree. At the same time, an MBA is necessary for most business and managerial jobs.

Why is it beneficial to gain a BBA/MBA degree to earn a high-paying job in TX?

Regardless of the industry you wish to enter, an online MBA program is highly recommended. This program will equip you with management skills and provide you with many opportunities for networking that will pave the way for a better salary and a more rewarding career.