Gettin' That Bag: Here Are 20 High Paying Career Fields for Texas

Look, the world is changing and it seems like the cost of living is rising faster than ever. As people find side hustles, explore business ventures and create ways to cut down on spending, it’s important to note that there are still ways to earn more even in these financially turbulent times. For Texans hoping to level up in their respective field or perhaps switch career paths entirely, we remain one of the best states to get that bigger bag. TRENDING: Unreleased BEYONCE Music STOLEN By Thieves in Atlanta TRENDING: 10 Essentials Every Child Needs for the First Day of School In fact, Texas is projected to lead all states in job growth through 2034, adding roughly 2.83 million jobs. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) projects an 18.3% increase in Texas employment from 2020-2030, more than double the projected growth for the U.S. (7.7%).

• More than 60% of the best-paid jobs in Texas are in the healthcare industry

• Two of the top 25 best-paying jobs in Texas are in the real estate industry

• Solar installer has the highest salary of any non-healthcare job on the list

Salaries can vary significantly between cities within Texas. For example, Round Rock offers the highest average salary for Directors of Information Technology at $212,756, compared to Dallas at $148,145. Similarly, for cybersecurity analysts, Justin reports a higher average annual salary of $117,389 compared to cities like Odessa ($100,302), Dallas ($98,748), and Austin ($98,526). Another truth to consider is that college just isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, it’s very much possible to become a high-earner without a traditional four-year degree, especially in a diverse job market like Texas. For example, trades like electricians, plumbers, and welders are consistently in demand due to infrastructure and construction growth in Texas. These roles often require apprenticeships or certifications rather than a degree. Just take a look at the video below. Scroll below for a list of 25 high paying career fields in The Lone Star State.

1. Cloud Architect

These professionals design and manage a company’s entire cloud strategy, with salaries reaching around $201,572 annually in Midland.

2. Postmasters and Mail Superintendents

– Median annual wage: $90,080
– Median hourly wage: $43.31
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent

3. Chemical Plant and System Operators

– Median annual wage: $101,000
– Median hourly wage: $48.56
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent

4. Cybersecurity Engineer

Protecting organizations from cyberattacks, they earn an average salary around $133,000.

5. Independent Insurance Adjuster

Independent adjusters in Texas earn an average annual salary of $76,861.

6. Mortgage Brokers

In Texas, mortgage brokers have a median annual salary of $213,000, per Indeed data (US) for 2023. The average salary for a mortgage broker in Texas is $200,892 per year.

7. Loan Officer

In Texas, loan officers have a median annual salary of $214,750 and an average annual salary of $185,653, according to Indeed data (US) for 2023.

8. Owner-operator driver

In Texas, the median annual salary for an owner-operator is $226,258, per Indeed data (US) for 2023. Owner-operator drivers have an average annual salary of $205,620.

9. Data Scientist

Data scientists are essential for businesses seeking to leverage data for strategic insights. In Houston, the average salary for Data Scientists is $160,617. Experienced Data Scientists in Austin can command salaries exceeding $120,000 annually.

10. CDL Truck Driver

• $69,854 per year
• $70,476 per year
• $77,246 per year
• $99,165 per year, according to Indeed based on 5.5k salaries reported in the past 36 months.

11. Solar Installers

Solar installers set up and maintain solar energy systems, which convert energy from the sun into power used by homes and businesses. According to Indeed data (US) for 2023, solar installers in Texas have a median annual salary of $300,000 and an average annual salary of $188,714.

12. Surgeon

Per Indeed data (US) for 2023, surgeons in Texas have a median annual salary of $300,000 and a median annual salary of $299,716.

13. Fire inspectors and Investigators

The average salary for fire inspectors in Texas can be competitive, especially with experience and specialization. Starting-level fire inspectors may earn around $47,040, while senior-level positions can reach $77,290 or more.

14. Court reporters

Court reporters in Texas earn an average annual salary of $62,925, according to Salary.com. Other sources like ZipRecruiter report a higher average annual pay of $75,045. My Texas Future provides a median salary for Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners as $99,247.

15. Electrical and Electronics Repairers

16. Corporate Trainer

Corporate trainers work with company leadership to develop training courses that align with the organization’s culture and strategic goals. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary is $81,356 per year as of July 4, 2025.

17. Surgical assistants

Surgical assistants provide support to surgeons during operations, aiding in various tasks before, during, and after procedures. The average salary for a Surgical First Assistant in Texas is $37.92 per hour, while sources report figures ranging from $37,850 to $125,046.

18. Pilot

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.

Entry-level pilots in Texas can expect to earn around $121,969 per year, while top earners can reach $187,262. 

19. Rig Welder

A Rig Welder is a key player in the oil industry. Rig Welder work on oil rigs–large platforms erected to carry out oil drilling, processing, and storage–and use specialized equipment to weld metals on the rig. According to ZipRecruiter, a rig welder’s salary range is between $67,500-$93,200 per year.

20. Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists prevent patients from feeling pain during surgery and other medical procedures. According to Indeed data (US) for 2023, anesthesiologists in Texas have a median annual salary of $437,500. The average annual salary for an anesthesiologist in Texas is $354,529.