Job Market 1 months ago
Texas Job Market: Top Industries, Salaries & Employers (2026)
Complete guide to the Texas job market. Top industries, major employers, salaries by city, and why workers are moving to Texas in 2026.
Quick Answer: Texas has the second-largest state economy ($2.4 trillion GDP) with booming industries in energy, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and aerospace. No state income tax makes take-home pay significantly higher. Major employers include H-E-B, Texas Health Resources, AT&T, and ExxonMobil.
Texas has added more jobs than any other state over the past decade, driven by business-friendly policies, no state income tax, and a lower cost of living than coastal states. The state employs over 14 million workers.
Top Industries
- Energy: Texas produces more oil and natural gas than any other state. Houston is the energy capital of the world. Growing renewable energy sector (largest wind power producer in the U.S.).
- Technology: Austin is the fastest-growing tech hub in America. Tesla, Oracle, Samsung, and Dell are headquartered here. Dallas-Fort Worth has a massive telecom and IT sector.
- Healthcare: Texas Medical Center in Houston is the world's largest medical complex. Healthcare is the #1 employer in most Texas cities.
- Manufacturing: Aerospace (Lockheed Martin, Boeing), automotive (Toyota, Tesla Gigafactory), and electronics.
- Military/Defense: Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Fort Bliss, and multiple Air Force bases. Defense contractors employ tens of thousands.
Major Employers
| Employer | Industry | TX Employees |
|---|---|---|
| H-E-B | Retail/Grocery | 130,000+ |
| Texas Health Resources | Healthcare | 28,000+ |
| AT&T | Telecom | 35,000+ (HQ in Dallas) |
| ExxonMobil | Energy | 20,000+ (HQ in Houston) |
| Dell Technologies | Technology | 25,000+ (HQ in Round Rock) |
| Baylor Scott & White | Healthcare | 50,000+ |
| Walmart | Retail | 170,000+ |
Average Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Avg Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth | $60,580 | 103 |
| Houston | $59,280 | 98 |
| Austin | $63,150 | 115 |
| San Antonio | $52,350 | 92 |
| El Paso | $44,860 | 85 |
Why Texas Attracts Workers
- No state income tax: A $70K salary in Texas provides the same take-home as ~$78K in California
- Affordable housing: Median home price $290,000 (vs $350,000 national, $750,000 California)
- Job growth: Texas added 400,000+ jobs in 2024-2025
- Business relocations: Tesla, Oracle, HP Enterprise, and others have moved HQs to Texas
FAQ
Is it easy to find a job in Texas?
Texas consistently has one of the lowest unemployment rates among large states. Healthcare, construction, and technology have the most openings. The state's rapid population growth creates demand across all service industries.
What's the minimum wage in Texas?
Texas follows the federal minimum of $7.25/hour, though most employers pay well above this. The average hourly wage across all occupations is approximately $28.50/hour.