Best Jobs in Texas 2026: Highest Paying, In-Demand Careers with Salaries and Outlook
Texas is booming with job opportunities in 2026, fueled by population growth exceeding 30 million, major infrastructure projects, and a low unemployment rate of 3.9%--below the national average (Nexford University, BLS). From healthcare shortages driving nurse salaries to $256K, tech relocations to Austin, energy dominance in Houston, and construction mega-projects statewide, the state's economy offers high-paying, stable roles.
This guide breaks down the top-paying and fastest-growing jobs using data from BLS, Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Nexford, and more. We'll reveal the #1 best job upfront, compare cities like Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, and provide actionable steps to land these positions. Whether you're a recent grad, career changer, or job seeker, Texas's job market--projected to add thousands of openings in healthcare, tech, energy, and construction--has something for you.
Quick Answer: The Best Job in Texas for 2026
Nurse Anesthetist (or Advanced Nurse Practitioner) tops the list as the single best job in Texas for 2026. With an average salary of $256,000 plus up to $31,400 in bonuses, 38% projected growth (fastest in the state per BLS/Nexford), and a critical 16% RN shortage statewide (TAMIU), it combines sky-high pay, massive demand, and long-term stability. Texas's aging population and healthcare expansion make this role recession-proof, especially in growing metros.
Key Takeaways Box
- #1 Job: Nurse Anesthetist – $256K avg salary, 38% growth (BLS/Nexford).
- Top 5 Jobs: 1. Nurse Anesthetist ($256K), 2. Physicians/Internists ($260K+), 3. Owner-Operator Drivers ($205K), 4. Dentists ($208K+), 5. Financial Managers ($161K).
- Texas Unemployment: 3.9% (lower than national avg).
- Fastest Industries: Healthcare (15-38% growth, 16K+ openings), Construction (50%+ trade vacancies), Tech (relocations booming).
- Population Boom: +470K since 2021 (U.S. Census), driving demand.
Key Takeaways: Top Jobs, Salaries, and Trends in Texas 2026
Texas outpaces national averages in job growth, with healthcare and construction leading amid mega-projects like semiconductor fabs and data centers (Tradestar). Living wages vary by city but stretch further due to 8% lower housing costs (Playroll).
Top 10 Jobs (salaries from BLS, Nexford, Indeed; growth via TWC/BLS):
- Nurse Anesthetist: $256K, 38% growth.
- Physicians/Internists: $260K+, 3% growth.
- Owner-Operator Drivers: $205K.
- Dentists: $208K+ median.
- Petroleum Engineers: High demand in energy (Houston-specific highs).
- Software Engineers: $120K+ in Austin tech hubs.
- Financial Managers: $161K, 15% growth.
- Real Estate Agents: $85K median (up to highs via commissions).
- Construction Trades (HVAC/Plumbers): 9-10% wage hikes amid shortages.
- RNs: $98K in Dallas (15% growth statewide).
Texas nursing salaries exceed national medians by 5% in areas like Dallas (Arizona College), with construction facing 50%+ vacancies (EB3).
Highest Paying Careers in Texas 2026
| Rank | Job | Avg Salary (TX) | Growth Outlook | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nurse Anesthetist | $256K (+$31K bonus) | 38% | Nexford/BLS |
| 2 | Physicians/Internists | $260K+ | 3% | Indeed/BLS |
| 3 | Owner-Operator Drivers | $205K | Steady | Indeed |
| 4 | Dentists | $208K+ | Stable | Research.com/BLS |
| 5 | Financial Managers | $161K | 15% | BLS/Accounting.com |
| 6 | RNs (Dallas metro) | $98K median | 15% | Arizona College/BLS |
Note: Real estate shows $84.5K-$85K median but unlimited upside (VanEd, AYP Real Estate).
Fastest Growing and In-Demand Jobs
- Nursing: 15-38% growth, 16,900 annual openings, 16% shortage (TAMIU, O*NET). Rio Grande Valley hit hardest.
- Construction: 50%+ vacancies in trades; 9-10% wage hikes, 61% firms raising pay (EB3, Tradestar).
- Tech/AI/Cybersecurity: Relocations (TxEDC); software roles booming in Austin.
- Energy/Renewables: Oil/gas + transmission clusters (Gov Texas).
Low unemployment in healthcare (3%) and trades.
Job Market Trends in Texas 2026: BLS and TWC Insights
Texas's 3.9% unemployment supports robust growth, with +470K population since 2021 (Census). TWC projects high-turnover roles like laborers but targets advanced manufacturing, energy evolution, and healthcare (Gov Texas). Mega-projects in semis, biomanufacturing, and infrastructure create thousands of jobs (Tradestar).
Mini Case Study: Central Texas Healthcare Partnership (Baylor Scott & White, Ascension) fills nursing shortages via accelerated BSN programs in Austin, boosting male enrollment to 19% (Workforce Solutions Capital Area).
Best Jobs by Major Texas Cities: Austin vs Houston vs Dallas vs San Antonio
| City | Top Jobs | Avg Salaries | Demand Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | Tech/Software Engineers, Nursing | $120K+ tech; Nursing programs booming | Tech HQs relocating; City of Austin top employer (Forbes) | AustinTexas.gov, TxEDC |
| Houston | Petroleum Engineers, Energy | $150K+ energy | Oil/gas dominance | TxEDC |
| Dallas | RNs, Financial Managers | RNs $98K (5% > national) | 15% nursing growth; Fastest regional expansion | Arizona College, TWC |
| San Antonio | Bioscience, Admin Support | $70-95K bioscience; Accountants $69-89K | 145K admin roles; 33K customer service | Randstad |
Pros/Cons Comparison:
- Austin: Pros: Innovation, tech startups. Cons: Higher living costs.
- Houston: Pros: Energy pay premiums. Cons: Hurricane risks.
- Dallas: Pros: Nursing salaries, growth to 12M pop by 2050. Cons: Traffic.
- San Antonio: Pros: Affordable, bioscience hubs. Cons: Lower top-end pay.
Top Sectors Deep Dive: Healthcare, Tech, Energy, Construction, and More
Healthcare: Nursing shortages (16%) drive 38% growth for advanced roles; dentists $208K+; RNs $98K Dallas (Baylor, ACU).
Tech: Software engineers thrive amid relocations (TxEDC); cybersecurity key (ACU).
Energy: Petroleum engineers in Houston; renewables rising (Gov Texas).
Construction: 50% vacancies, enrollment up 18% in San Antonio electrical apprenticeships; power challenges persist (Tradestar, EB3).
Others: Real estate $85K median; finance $161K; education steady.
Mini Case Study: Tech giants moving HQs to Texas for pro-business climate and talent (TxEDC). Healthcare growth (38%) outpaces construction vacancies.
Pros & Cons: High-Paying vs In-Demand Jobs in Texas
| Category | Pros | Cons | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Pay (Exec/Tech) | $200K+; Remote options | Advanced degrees needed | Nurse Anesthetist, Software Eng |
| In-Demand (Trades/Nursing) | Low unemployment; Quick entry via certs | Physical demands | HVAC (+10% wages), RNs |
| Remote for TX Residents | Flexible; Living wage stretch (8% lower housing) | Competition | Tech, Finance (Playroll/BLS) |
How to Land the Best Jobs in Texas: Step-by-Step Guide and Checklist
- Certify: BSN for nursing (ACU Online, 100% flexible); apprenticeships for trades (65% completion, EB3).
- Research: Use TWC/BLS reports for outlooks.
- Network: Austin tech events; Houston energy mixers.
- Apply: City sites (AustinTexas.gov); target shortages.
Checklist:
- [ ] Complete 180-hour real estate pre-licensing (for agents).
- [ ] Enroll in nursing partnerships (e.g., Austin ASDNU).
- [ ] Update resume with TX-specific skills.
Mini Case Study: Austin nursing students via Fairfield Egan fill Central Texas gaps in 45 weeks (Workforce Solutions).
Remote and Trade Jobs: Low Unemployment Options for Texas Residents
Trades like HVAC/plumbers see 9-10% hikes amid 50% shortages (EB3). Remote tech/finance viable with TX's low costs. Apprenticeship Checklist: Enroll (up 12%), commit (65% finish), specialize (electrical up 18% in San Antonio).
FAQ
What are the highest paying jobs in Texas 2026?
Nurse Anesthetist ($256K), Physicians ($260K+), Dentists ($208K+), per Nexford/BLS/Indeed.
What is the job outlook for nurses in Texas cities like Dallas and Austin?
15% growth statewide, $98K Dallas median; Austin programs filling 16% shortage (Arizona College, TAMIU).
How do salaries compare in Houston vs Austin for tech and energy jobs?
Houston energy: $150K+ petroleum; Austin tech: $120K+ software (TxEDC, Randstad).
What are the fastest growing industries in Texas per BLS and TWC?
Healthcare (38%), construction (vacancies), tech/energy (TWC, Dallas News).
Is there a construction labor shortage in Texas, and what jobs pay well?
Yes, 50%+ vacancies; HVAC/plumbers +9-10% wages (EB3, Tradestar).
What steps to become a real estate agent or petroleum engineer in Texas?
Real estate: 180-hour education, exam. Petroleum: Engineering degree, target Houston (AYP, BLS).