10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas of 2024

A report from Texas Economic Development shows the state has a low unemployment rate of 4% as of 2024, near the national average unemployment rate. This means Texas has a strong economy with many opportunities for job-seekers. Texas also features an affordable cost of living, making it attractive to experienced professionals and students preparing to enter the workforce.

Many healthcare and management jobs in Texas pay an average salary of or above $150,000 per year. These and other careers require many years of education and training.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Healthcare professions dominated the list of the highest-paying jobs in Texas, comprising eight out of the top 10 positions. All salary data in this section comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Athletes and sports competitors prepare for game day by practicing, maintaining equipment, and using coaches’ feedback to improve. They also work with special trainers and physiologists to maintain stamina and avoid injury. Athletes begin preparing for this career in high school or college by joining a varsity team.

Texas athletes and sports competitors earn more than double the national average. Expect to make less starting out.

Radiologists analyze patients’ medical scans to diagnose or guide instruments during surgery. Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to treat specific forms of cancer.

Texas jobs in radiology pay about the same as the national average. Even so, making over $300,000 can let you live comfortably in any of the state’s biggest cities, such as Houston or Dallas.

As physicians specializing in the cardiovascular system, cardiologists diagnose and treat conditions such as heart attacks and coronary artery disease. Other typical tasks may include performing surgery.

A typical Texas cardiologist makes $60,000 more than the national average salary for cardiologists. You can use a higher salary to pay down student debt faster or save for long-term financial goals.

CEOs — also known as executive directors, managing directors, or presidents — occupy the highest executive position within a corporation or nonprofit institution.

Education requirements for CEOs often vary from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree. While some top executive positions value high-level management experience over an advanced degree, many employers prefer candidates with an MBA. The highest-paying metro areas for CEOs in Texas include Houston and its surrounding suburbs and Midland.

Ophthalmologists treat patients with eye conditions that include glaucoma and nearsightedness. They see many patients throughout the day and keep extensive records charting patients’ progress.

Texas ophthalmologists specializing in adult care make about $60,000 more per year than the national average. You can further increase your salary potential by gaining experience and board certification.

Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) treat female patients for issues involving the reproductive system, including cervical cancer, ovarian cysts, and menopause. They also advise and treat women during pregnancy and through childbirth.

Physicians working in this specialization are highly concentrated in Texas, especially in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston-the Woodlands-Sugar Land areas. Killeen-Temple is one of the highest-paying metro areas for OB/GYNs in the state.

Dentists perform many roles besides filling cavities, such as educating patients about procedures, analyzing lab work, and referring patients to other medical professionals. You can become a dentist by going to dental school after college.

You may find the highest-paying dental jobs in Texas in the state’s biggest city, Houston.

Family physicians and general practitioners (GPs) typically hold either doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) credentials. They diagnose and treat a variety of ailments, illnesses, and injuries for patients of all ages. They may practice a specialization such as emergency, internal medicine, or pediatrics.

Physicians and GPs need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter medical school. Then, they must spend a minimum of 1-3 years meeting clinical field practice requirements. This period may be longer for specialized practitioners.

Surgeons treat a variety of ailments and illnesses by operating on patients. They may specialize in a field such as oncology or reconstructive surgery. Surgeons at MD Anderson Cancer Center, a global cancer treatment facility in Houston, are among the city’s highest-paid public employees.

Surgeons must obtain a bachelor’s degree and attend medical school. They then complete several years of clinical internships and residency programs. Surgeons typically spend 1-3 additional years undergoing field training in their preferred specialization. Texas employs the nation’s second-highest concentration of surgeons, except ophthalmologists.

Dermatologists deal with hair, skin, and nail issues. Some focus on cosmetic dermatology and treatments including chemical peels and Botox, while others treat medical issues such as acne, eczema, and skin infections, including performing surgeries to remove skin growths and skin cancer.

Dermatologists must have a bachelor degree and attend medical school. Following this, they must complete a one-year internship and a three-year dermatology residency before obtaining board certification.

Texas ranks third in the nation for the number of dermatologists, with the Dallas-Fort Worth area boasting the second-highest concentration of dermatologists in the country, according to the BLS.