Texas salaries by occupation
The median worker in Texas earned $47,500 a year in 2024, about $22.84 an hour, 4% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 723 occupations.
Median pay $47,500 $22.84 per hour
Vs national median -4% U.S. $49,500
Workers 13,846,880 wage and salary
Occupations reported 723 with at least 100 employed
What Texas is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellhead Pumpers | 6.36× | 9,910 | $75,590 |
| Petroleum Engineers | 6.25× | 10,640 | $153,200 |
| Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | 5.85× | 23,800 | $46,180 |
| Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | 5.06× | 5,940 | $66,430 |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 4.97× | 5,010 | $61,790 |
| Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas | 4.88× | 4,840 | $61,610 |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | 4.27× | 16,900 | $51,710 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | 4.21× | 3,670 | $43,780 |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 3.85× | 12,060 | $97,970 |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 3.78× | 4,280 | $58,670 |
Metro areas in Texas
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 25 Texas metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | $52,610 | $25.29 | 1,260,220 | #48 |
| Midland | $52,320 | $25.16 | 119,220 | #49 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $49,740 | $23.91 | 4,003,820 | #86 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | $48,490 | $23.31 | 3,246,360 | #118 |
| Odessa | $47,420 | $22.80 | 79,150 | #167 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $46,740 | $22.47 | 158,920 | #190 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $46,010 | $22.12 | 1,114,520 | #217 |
| Killeen-Temple | $44,610 | $21.45 | 148,640 | #277 |
| Waco | $44,530 | $21.41 | 129,920 | #280 |
| Corpus Christi | $43,770 | $21.04 | 187,690 | #300 |
| College Station-Bryan | $43,010 | $20.68 | 132,440 | #313 |
| Longview | $42,710 | $20.53 | 117,650 | #318 |
| Abilene | $42,120 | $20.25 | 74,090 | #326 |
| Amarillo | $42,060 | $20.22 | 122,390 | #327 |
| San Angelo | $41,770 | $20.08 | 50,120 | #333 |
| Tyler | $41,230 | $19.82 | 112,810 | #337 |
| Victoria | $41,190 | $19.80 | 38,310 | #338 |
| Texarkana | $41,050 | $19.74 | 57,420 | #342 |
| Wichita Falls | $40,410 | $19.43 | 56,710 | #349 |
| Sherman-Denison | $40,410 | $19.43 | 52,000 | #350 |
| Lubbock | $39,560 | $19.02 | 165,480 | #361 |
| El Paso | $37,880 | $18.21 | 332,330 | #374 |
| Laredo | $36,640 | $17.61 | 106,130 | #380 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | $35,050 | $16.85 | 157,630 | #385 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | $34,670 | $16.67 | 290,580 | #386 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $228,560 | $109.89 | 6,510 | #8 of 23 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $227,580 | $109.41 | 3,660 | #8 of 25 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $214,670 | n/a | 10,050 | #3 of 18 |
| Pediatricians, General | $187,590 | $90.19 | 2,690 | #28 of 37 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $170,650 | $82.05 | 17,980 | #13 of 49 |
| Physicists | $170,450 | $81.95 | 700 | #10 of 26 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $167,710 | $80.63 | 2,020 | #6 of 36 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $167,320 | $80.44 | 74,890 | #15 of 49 |
| Commercial Pilots | $162,930 | n/a | 5,030 | #3 of 46 |
| Financial Managers | $160,350 | $77.09 | 67,580 | #13 of 51 |
| Podiatrists | $160,310 | $77.07 | 490 | #8 of 21 |
| Dentists, General | $157,370 | $75.66 | 7,690 | #36 of 46 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 454,720 | $100,290 | $48.21 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 410,760 | $27,000 | $12.98 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 330,540 | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| Retail Salespersons | 329,520 | $30,130 | $14.49 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 314,610 | $23,470 | $11.29 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 283,120 | $36,120 | $17.37 |
| Cashiers | 266,210 | $28,310 | $13.61 |
| Registered Nurses | 261,050 | $90,010 | $43.27 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 224,960 | $37,010 | $17.79 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 212,700 | $53,070 | $25.51 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Texas
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 93
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $105,970
- Power Plant Operators $103,120
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $99,250
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $97,970
- Gas Plant Operators $82,760
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $81,130
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $66,750
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $65,190
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $64,050
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $59,930
- Machinists $56,040
- Tool and Die Makers $54,550
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $51,220
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $50,670
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $50,470
- Medical Appliance Technicians $50,430
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $49,830
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $49,290
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $49,230
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,940
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $48,800
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $48,110
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,450
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $46,990
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $46,900
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,630
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,520
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $46,520
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,280
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $45,170
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $44,570
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $44,260
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,910
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $43,790
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,600
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $43,080
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $42,210
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $42,090
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $41,900
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,620
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $41,240
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $41,230
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,140
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $40,800
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,620
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $40,290
- Furniture Finishers $40,160
- Printing Press Operators $40,000
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $39,110
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $39,070
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $39,000
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $38,960
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $38,710
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $38,630
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $38,580
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $38,330
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $38,190
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators $37,980
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $37,930
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $37,870
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $37,630
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $37,420
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $37,350
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $37,200
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians $37,200
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,100
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $37,090
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $37,070
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $37,070
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $36,910
- Upholsterers $36,620
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $36,520
- Helpers--Production Workers $36,300
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $36,180
- Production Workers, All Other $35,900
- Etchers and Engravers $35,680
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $35,600
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $34,970
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $34,900
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $34,630
- Food Batchmakers $33,880
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $33,690
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $33,610
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $33,150
- Bakers $33,030
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $31,040
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $30,510
- Sewing Machine Operators $30,480
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $29,060
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $28,990
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $28,570
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $28,300
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $27,460
Education and library 62
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $153,880
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $125,340
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $125,000
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $121,610
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $105,130
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $102,190
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $99,480
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $98,790
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $98,280
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $97,610
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $97,500
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $97,450
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary $95,780
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $95,060
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $87,360
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $83,760
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $82,920
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $82,080
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $81,880
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $81,190
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,850
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $79,830
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $79,790
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,350
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $77,650
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $77,340
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $76,580
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $76,290
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $76,210
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary $76,190
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $75,850
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $75,770
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $75,650
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $75,570
- Instructional Coordinators $73,600
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $65,340
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $64,910
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $63,730
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $62,710
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $62,700
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $62,540
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $62,130
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $61,980
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $61,920
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $61,760
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $61,380
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $60,810
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $60,270
- Curators $59,030
- Archivists $53,970
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $50,820
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $46,440
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $41,040
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $40,890
- Library Technicians $37,920
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $35,140
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $34,320
- Farm and Home Management Educators $34,110
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $33,860
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $29,610
- Tutors $29,200
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $27,630
Healthcare practitioners 50
- Family Medicine Physicians $228,560
- Nurse Anesthetists $227,580
- Pediatricians, General $187,590
- Podiatrists $160,310
- Dentists, General $157,370
- Pharmacists $136,950
- Medical Dosimetrists $133,680
- Physician Assistants $132,810
- Nurse Practitioners $129,880
- Optometrists $128,360
- Veterinarians $121,220
- Nurse Midwives $111,190
- Physical Therapists $103,710
- Audiologists $103,460
- Occupational Therapists $101,760
- Radiation Therapists $101,740
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $101,420
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $96,060
- Dental Hygienists $94,490
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $90,090
- Registered Nurses $90,010
- Speech-Language Pathologists $89,450
- Chiropractors $87,130
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $84,900
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $82,320
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $78,060
- Respiratory Therapists $77,550
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $76,800
- Surgical Assistants $76,510
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $66,640
- Athletic Trainers $66,430
- Surgical Technologists $62,640
- Therapists, All Other $62,560
- Hearing Aid Specialists $61,560
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $60,150
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $54,840
- Recreational Therapists $54,190
- Paramedics $53,960
- Exercise Physiologists $53,850
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $50,290
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $47,970
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $47,410
- Medical Records Specialists $47,230
- Pharmacy Technicians $43,920
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $38,770
- Psychiatric Technicians $38,460
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $37,250
- Emergency Medical Technicians $37,000
- Opticians, Dispensing $36,400
- Dietetic Technicians $28,330
Office and administrative support 49
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $69,580
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $64,320
- Postal Service Clerks $61,710
- Statistical Assistants $61,000
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $58,770
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $58,390
- Brokerage Clerks $58,120
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,490
- Financial Clerks, All Other $52,260
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $51,990
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $50,980
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers $49,990
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $49,180
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $49,150
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $49,090
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $48,410
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $48,250
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $47,410
- Procurement Clerks $46,840
- Cargo and Freight Agents $46,580
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $46,550
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $46,030
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $45,880
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $45,470
- Bill and Account Collectors $44,200
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $43,660
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $43,350
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $43,350
- Billing and Posting Clerks $43,290
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $41,780
- Word Processors and Typists $40,890
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $40,380
- Meter Readers, Utilities $40,050
- Order Clerks $39,960
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $39,560
- Customer Service Representatives $39,100
- New Accounts Clerks $38,970
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $38,740
- Office Clerks, General $37,500
- File Clerks $37,400
- Couriers and Messengers $37,310
- Tellers $37,190
- Data Entry Keyers $37,180
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $37,010
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $34,480
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $34,050
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $31,780
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $29,230
- Library Assistants, Clerical $28,750
Construction and extraction 49
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $94,550
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $73,420
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $66,430
- Boilermakers $64,190
- Construction and Building Inspectors $62,110
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas $61,610
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $58,560
- Electricians $56,920
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $56,040
- Sheet Metal Workers $55,840
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $53,850
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $51,710
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $51,020
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $50,120
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $50,110
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $49,650
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $49,410
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $49,150
- Carpenters $48,150
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $48,010
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $47,840
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $47,350
- Carpet Installers $47,100
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $46,810
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $46,730
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $46,500
- Glaziers $46,340
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $46,180
- Helpers--Electricians $45,880
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $45,870
- Pipelayers $45,550
- Roofers $45,440
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $45,220
- Tapers $45,030
- Stonemasons $44,980
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $44,160
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $44,000
- Tile and Stone Setters $43,530
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $42,880
- Highway Maintenance Workers $42,180
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $41,050
- Helpers--Carpenters $39,930
- Fence Erectors $39,420
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $39,160
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $38,530
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $38,310
- Construction Laborers $38,180
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $36,260
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons $36,030
Installation, maintenance and repair 46
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $94,940
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $84,470
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $83,000
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $80,320
- Avionics Technicians $78,150
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $77,560
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $75,050
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $74,060
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $68,320
- Millwrights $61,910
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $61,790
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $61,590
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $61,460
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $60,920
- Medical Equipment Repairers $60,250
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $59,500
- Rail Car Repairers $58,500
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $57,870
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $57,500
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $57,390
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $54,880
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $54,640
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $54,050
- Riggers $51,890
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $50,910
- Mechanical Door Repairers $50,380
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $50,350
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $49,380
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $48,660
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $48,220
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $48,080
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $47,430
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $47,030
- Motorcycle Mechanics $46,670
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $46,620
- Home Appliance Repairers $46,590
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $45,290
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $44,960
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $44,940
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $44,700
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $44,610
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $43,890
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $37,360
- Bicycle Repairers $36,730
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $36,680
- Tire Repairers and Changers $35,930
Transport and material moving 42
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $214,670
- Air Traffic Controllers $167,710
- Commercial Pilots $162,930
- Ship Engineers $122,150
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $105,790
- Transportation Inspectors $84,180
- Airfield Operations Specialists $77,460
- Locomotive Engineers $77,080
- Wellhead Pumpers $75,590
- Crane and Tower Operators $72,870
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $69,840
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $67,580
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $65,850
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $65,680
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $59,430
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $58,670
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $58,570
- Flight Attendants $57,170
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $53,070
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $49,070
- Traffic Technicians $47,890
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $45,820
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $45,710
- Bus Drivers, School $42,780
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $41,800
- Light Truck Drivers $40,760
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $39,310
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $37,600
- Aircraft Service Attendants $37,120
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,010
- Stockers and Order Fillers $36,120
- Taxi Drivers $35,610
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $35,590
- Driver/Sales Workers $35,580
- Transportation Workers, All Other $35,510
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $31,330
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $31,210
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $30,770
- Parking Attendants $30,690
- Passenger Attendants $30,330
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $29,910
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $29,280
Life, physical and social science 38
- Physicists $170,450
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $155,330
- Economists $106,200
- Chemists $101,260
- Physical Scientists, All Other $98,460
- Nuclear Technicians $97,160
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $96,210
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $94,560
- Food Scientists and Technologists $92,740
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $88,570
- Psychologists, All Other $81,830
- Biological Scientists, All Other $81,020
- Materials Scientists $80,560
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $78,560
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $78,410
- Urban and Regional Planners $78,180
- School Psychologists $78,150
- Epidemiologists $76,420
- Hydrologists $76,360
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $76,280
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $72,320
- Foresters $71,180
- Conservation Scientists $65,170
- Chemical Technicians $64,520
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $63,890
- Microbiologists $62,720
- Forensic Science Technicians $55,830
- Social Science Research Assistants $55,430
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $51,570
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $50,610
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $49,690
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $49,620
- Biological Technicians $48,830
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $48,550
- Agricultural Technicians $48,120
- Food Science Technicians $46,170
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $43,780
- Survey Researchers $36,950
Arts, design, entertainment and media 36
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $105,550
- Athletes and Sports Competitors $94,660
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $90,310
- Art Directors $79,930
- Technical Writers $79,060
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $77,540
- Writers and Authors $71,650
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $64,430
- Producers and Directors $63,400
- Graphic Designers $62,030
- Interior Designers $61,620
- Public Relations Specialists $61,100
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $60,320
- Sound Engineering Technicians $59,370
- Film and Video Editors $57,400
- Set and Exhibit Designers $54,220
- Lighting Technicians $54,070
- Craft Artists $52,000
- Music Directors and Composers $51,380
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $50,370
- Audio and Video Technicians $49,290
- Interpreters and Translators $45,610
- Broadcast Technicians $45,070
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $43,130
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other $38,050
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $37,610
- Photographers $36,760
- Coaches and Scouts $36,080
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $35,410
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $34,600
- Floral Designers $31,010
- Editors $28,860
- Actors not reported
- Dancers not reported
- Musicians and Singers not reported
- Disc Jockeys, Except Radio not reported
Architecture and engineering 34
- Petroleum Engineers $153,200
- Chemical Engineers $135,160
- Computer Hardware Engineers $133,250
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $126,650
- Aerospace Engineers $126,470
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $123,020
- Materials Engineers $116,170
- Engineers, All Other $115,950
- Environmental Engineers $108,560
- Mechanical Engineers $108,240
- Electrical Engineers $105,560
- Industrial Engineers $103,430
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $101,190
- Nuclear Engineers $100,000
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $97,160
- Civil Engineers $95,050
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $85,770
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $83,320
- Landscape Architects $81,110
- Mechanical Drafters $76,740
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $74,330
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $72,550
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $71,970
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $69,720
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $65,830
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $64,450
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $64,270
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $61,530
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $61,190
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $60,900
- Drafters, All Other $59,680
- Surveyors $59,450
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $56,930
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $48,930
Management 32
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $170,650
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $167,320
- Financial Managers $160,350
- Marketing Managers $140,620
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $136,610
- Managers, All Other $133,070
- Purchasing Managers $132,270
- Sales Managers $132,250
- Natural Sciences Managers $130,140
- Industrial Production Managers $127,840
- Public Relations Managers $120,210
- Administrative Services Managers $110,230
- Medical and Health Services Managers $106,590
- Facilities Managers $105,340
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $102,150
- General and Operations Managers $100,290
- Construction Managers $99,600
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $97,690
- Fundraising Managers $96,720
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $94,060
- Emergency Management Directors $90,650
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $86,330
- Education Administrators, All Other $78,540
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $78,000
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers $72,220
- Lodging Managers $70,430
- Social and Community Service Managers $69,700
- Food Service Managers $62,610
- Funeral Home Managers $62,180
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $56,810
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $48,510
- Legislators $42,080
Business and financial 31
- Management Analysts $98,650
- Financial Risk Specialists $96,100
- Project Management Specialists $93,880
- Financial and Investment Analysts $92,370
- Personal Financial Advisors $82,180
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $80,220
- Accountants and Auditors $80,000
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $79,540
- Budget Analysts $79,450
- Financial Examiners $77,990
- Labor Relations Specialists $77,750
- Credit Analysts $77,300
- Insurance Underwriters $76,760
- Logisticians $75,360
- Cost Estimators $74,930
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $74,890
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $73,520
- Financial Specialists, All Other $72,400
- Compliance Officers $72,050
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes $71,450
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $64,900
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $64,730
- Human Resources Specialists $64,560
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $63,960
- Loan Officers $63,770
- Training and Development Specialists $63,450
- Tax Preparers $61,510
- Fundraisers $58,320
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $56,500
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $55,870
- Credit Counselors $46,910
Personal care and service 27
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $44,960
- Skincare Specialists $42,940
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $41,340
- Gambling Dealers $39,990
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $39,980
- Residential Advisors $37,180
- Costume Attendants $37,160
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $36,900
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $36,760
- Barbers $36,400
- Concierges $34,100
- Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other $33,520
- Animal Trainers $33,290
- Crematory Operators $33,040
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $31,620
- Recreation Workers $31,290
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $30,980
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $30,750
- Tour and Travel Guides $30,050
- Animal Caretakers $29,810
- Funeral Attendants $29,620
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $28,670
- Childcare Workers $28,520
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $28,370
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $27,340
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $27,130
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $27,000
Protective service 21
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $110,030
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $89,860
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $83,370
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $82,680
- Fish and Game Wardens $81,880
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $76,350
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $67,360
- Transportation Security Screeners $65,120
- Firefighters $60,840
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $59,590
- Bailiffs $58,390
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $55,940
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $51,020
- Private Detectives and Investigators $48,070
- Animal Control Workers $43,410
- Parking Enforcement Workers $38,290
- Security Guards $33,390
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $32,910
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $32,730
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $29,240
- School Bus Monitors $29,180
Computing and mathematics 19
- Database Architects $133,800
- Software Developers $130,500
- Computer Network Architects $129,110
- Information Security Analysts $124,970
- Database Administrators $109,990
- Computer Occupations, All Other $108,170
- Data Scientists $106,540
- Computer Systems Analysts $104,970
- Statisticians $104,380
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $101,990
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $101,800
- Actuaries $100,260
- Operations Research Analysts $96,660
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $94,170
- Web Developers $93,120
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $89,630
- Computer Programmers $80,820
- Computer Network Support Specialists $64,440
- Computer User Support Specialists $55,320
Sales 19
- Sales Engineers $126,810
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $83,860
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $74,250
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $73,940
- Real Estate Brokers $66,700
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $63,570
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $60,450
- Travel Agents $51,110
- Real Estate Sales Agents $50,150
- Insurance Sales Agents $47,530
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $45,270
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $37,110
- Counter and Rental Clerks $35,210
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $35,150
- Telemarketers $34,380
- Parts Salespersons $34,360
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $33,150
- Retail Salespersons $30,130
- Cashiers $28,310
Community and social service 17
- Social Workers, All Other $89,520
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $77,120
- Healthcare Social Workers $69,960
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $65,660
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $60,630
- Clergy $59,550
- Health Education Specialists $56,210
- Counselors, All Other $55,220
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $51,900
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $49,940
- Rehabilitation Counselors $48,410
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $48,240
- Community Health Workers $47,440
- Marriage and Family Therapists $45,690
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $44,790
- Social and Human Service Assistants $44,030
- Religious Workers, All Other $28,890
Healthcare support 17
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $77,910
- Physical Therapist Assistants $76,250
- Massage Therapists $56,540
- Medical Equipment Preparers $46,010
- Psychiatric Aides $45,780
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $43,570
- Dental Assistants $42,270
- Phlebotomists $39,770
- Medical Assistants $38,930
- Pharmacy Aides $37,410
- Occupational Therapy Aides $37,160
- Nursing Assistants $36,390
- Orderlies $35,840
- Physical Therapist Aides $32,050
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $30,430
- Medical Transcriptionists $29,080
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $23,470
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $51,050
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,650
- Cooks, Restaurant $34,050
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $32,780
- Cooks, All Other $31,020
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $29,590
- Dishwashers $29,250
- Cooks, Short Order $28,770
- Food Preparation Workers $28,660
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $28,100
- Waiters and Waitresses $27,930
- Bartenders $27,750
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,000
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $27,000
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $26,800
- Cooks, Fast Food $24,390
Building and grounds maintenance 10
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $50,050
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $45,530
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $43,480
- Pest Control Workers $43,470
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $40,030
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $38,070
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $36,790
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $36,240
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $31,230
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $29,500
Farming, fishing and forestry 8
- Logging Equipment Operators $60,220
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $56,940
- Agricultural Inspectors $51,890
- Agricultural Workers, All Other $41,780
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $35,480
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $33,050
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $31,790
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $29,930
Legal 7
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates $139,990
- Lawyers $133,570
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers $103,400
- Judicial Law Clerks $61,950
- Legal Support Workers, All Other $59,990
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants $59,700
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers $56,460
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Texas?
The median across all occupations is $47,500 a year, or $22.84 an hour, covering 13,846,880 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Texas?
Family Medicine Physicians ($228,560), Nurse Anesthetists ($227,580), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($214,670) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Texas employ the most people in?
General and Operations Managers, with 454,720 employed at a median of $100,290. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Texas electricity averages 16.44¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.