Texas combines a huge energy industry, the Texas Medical Center in Houston, big corporate headquarters in Dallas and a fast growing tech scene in Austin. And the state has no personal income tax. This guide covers the top 10 highest paying jobs in Texas in 2026, using BLS national wage benchmarks.
Quick answer: Specialist physicians and surgeons are the highest paid workers in Texas. Outside medicine, petroleum engineers, executives, tech managers and lawyers earn the most. Benchmarks below are national BLS medians, so check BLS state data for exact Texas figures.
Top 10 highest paying jobs in Texas
| Rank | Occupation | National median (BLS, May 2025) | Texas angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surgeons | $414,010 to $559,030 | Houston and Dallas medical centers |
| 2 | Cardiologists | $496,010 | Large hospital systems |
| 3 | Radiologists | $420,860 | Hospitals and imaging networks |
| 4 | Anesthesiologists | $391,490 | Hospitals and surgical centers |
| 5 | Emergency medicine physicians | $335,550 | Fast growing cities |
| 6 | Chief executives | $213,990 | Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston corporate HQs |
| 7 | Computer and information systems managers | $175,140 | Austin and Dallas tech employers |
| 8 | Petroleum engineers | $144,910 | Houston energy industry and the Permian Basin |
| 9 | Lawyers | $159,670 | Energy, corporate and real estate law |
| 10 | Financial managers | $166,570 | Banks and corporate finance in Dallas and Houston |
Why Texas is attractive to high earners
No state income tax
Texas does not tax personal income, so more of a high salary stays in your pocket compared with states like California. Property taxes can be high, and sales taxes apply, so compare total costs.
Energy
Houston is a global energy hub. Petroleum engineers have a national median of $144,910, and energy companies also hire geoscientists, project managers and finance staff. Oil and gas pay depends on commodity cycles.
Healthcare
The Texas Medical Center in Houston is one of the largest medical complexes in the world, and Dallas, San Antonio and Austin have large hospital systems. Physician demand is strong in fast growing metro areas.
Technology and corporate headquarters
Austin has a major tech sector and Dallas-Fort Worth hosts many corporate headquarters, creating well paid management, engineering and finance roles.
Jobs without a degree
Power plant operators ($102,040), electrical power-line installers ($95,320) and refinery operators ($96,710) have strong national medians and are common in Texas’s energy and utility sectors. See the full list of the highest paying jobs in the USA without a degree.
How to get started
- Choose your path. Medicine and law take years of study. Engineering and tech can be faster.
- Get licensed in Texas. The Texas Medical Board, state bar and engineering board license their professions.
- Compare states. See our California guide for a high-tax, high-salary alternative.
- See the national ranking. Read the top 10 highest paying jobs in the USA guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying job in Texas?
Surgeons and specialist physicians, based on national BLS medians of $414,010 to $559,030 for surgeons.
Does Texas have state income tax?
No. Texas has no personal income tax, though other taxes such as property and sales tax apply.
What are the highest paying jobs in Texas without a degree?
Utility and energy roles such as power plant operators and power-line installers are among the best options.
Are oil and gas jobs still high paying?
Yes. Petroleum engineers have a national median of $144,910, but the industry is cyclical.
Where can I find Texas-specific wages?
BLS publishes state and metro wage data, and the Texas Workforce Commission publishes labor market information.
Sources and data notes
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- Texas Workforce Commission, Labor Market Information
Last updated: October 2026.