What are the most in-demand jobs in Texas?
Texas is expected to be one of the states with the fastest growing economies in the coming years. So what professions will be the most in-demand?
At the start of 2023, Texas tied with five other states for the thirty-fifth lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 3.9 percent according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Texas’ economy is forecast to be the tenth fastest growing economy in coming years and that growth should mean more jobs. While average wages in Texas are below the national average, it is home to several cities that count themselves among those with the lowest cost of living and cities where your paycheck can go further.
In a 2020 report of Texas Growth Occupations, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) projected that between 2018 and 2028 the Lone Star State would add around 1.7 million new jobs. However, many of the fastest-growing careers in Texas have far surpassed the local supply according to the TWC which means excellent opportunities for those job-hunting with the right qualifications or trying to decide which future career path they should take.
The fastest-growing careers in Texas reflect several of those that will be in demand nationally such as software developers, financial managers and nurses, all of which will see growth over 30 percent. Here’s a look at the most in-demand jobs in Texas over the coming years.
The most in-demand jobs in Texas
Top of the list for the most in-demand jobs in Texas is operations research analyst with a growth rate forecast at 37.9 percent. These professionals help make companies more efficient and effective, something that is increasingly important in an ever more competitive economy. The 2020 median annual salary was $87,090 more than double the national figure.
Likewise, Texas will need 33.2 percent more market research analysts and specialists by 2030. These professionals no only deal with how the company will sell its product to the public but also can have an impact on strategies and operations of the organization itself. The median salary per year in 2020 was $76,840.
Both operations and market research analysts require a bachelor’s degree at minimum to be considered employment.
The healthcare industry will require a large number of new workers in the future as Baby Boomers age, so it should come as no surprise that second on the list of most in-demand jobs is physician assistants. Texas will need 37.3 percent more of these professionals who examine, diagnose, and treat patients over a wide range of areas in medicine. The median salary per year in 2020 was $112,200 and requires a master’s degree at minimum to practice..
Additionally, for the Lone Star State, the most in-demand jobs in the healthcare sector include dentists, dental hygienists and assistants along with nurse practitioners.
The ten most in-demand jobs in Texas
| Job | Growth outlook 2020-2030 | 2020 median annual salary |
|---|---|---|
| Operations research analysts | 37.9% | $87,090 |
| Physician assistants | 37.3% | $112,200 |
| Dental hygienists and assistants | 35.0% | $77,590 |
| Market research analysts and specialists | 33.2% | $76,840 |
| Self-enrichment education teachers | 32.8% | $37,390 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31.9% | $116,700 |
| Dentists | 31.7% | $184,410 |
| Software developers | 31.4% | $109,570 |
| Coaches and scouts | 30.8% | $53,740 |
| Financial managers | 30.1% | $148,860 |