Best Paying Trade Jobs in Texas

When it comes to the expanding economy and the job market, Texas is doing very well. Numerous Fortune 500 firms in sectors like technology, healthcare, construction, retail, finance, leisure, and hospitality are headquartered in Texas. The unemployment rate in the states is still declining, and Texas is consistently adding jobs. In fact, numerous communities in the Lone Star State have job markets that are among the best in the country.

Key Takeaways

When it comes to the expanding economy and the job market, Texas is doing very well. Numerous Fortune 500 firms in sectors like technology, healthcare, construction, retail, finance, leisure, and hospitality are headquartered in Texas. The unemployment rate in the states is still declining, and Texas is consistently adding jobs. In fact, numerous communities in the Lone Star State have job markets that are among the best in the country.

We have listed the top trade jobs in Texas according to pay in this guide. Read on to see if any of them can help you make a solid earning!

A university degree has long been regarded as the key to realizing the American Dream, a type of all-inclusive checkbox that ensures financial success. For fresh graduates, the reality is much less optimistic. 

Recent wage surveys by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) indicate that the typical annual salary for university and college graduates is around $50,000. Sadly, the average student loan debt is $37,693 which these students spend a portion of their lives paying off.

The abundance of high-paying skilled trade jobs offers an alternative to college for people wishing to attain financial stability quickly and without accumulating significant debt. Careers like plumbing, electrical work, healthcare, information technology, and other fields pay very well and are in high demand. 

The best trades to learn in 2022 that offer good wages if you're seeking work in the Lone Star State have been put together for you. This guide will take you through some of the best options you have.

We help people in Texas find high-paying trade jobs.

Contact us for a free consultation.

We help people in New Mexico find high-paying trade jobs.

Contact us for a free consultation.

We help people in New Mexico find high-paying trade jobs.

Contact us for a free consultation.
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What are some of the best-paying trade jobs in Texas?

With several major corporations moving to Texas, the state's job market has been booming and expanding yearly, creating thousands of new positions. Texas experienced its highest month-over-month job gain in 2022, adding 82,500 nonfarm positions in total. 

As total nonfarm employment increased to 13,431,100, the state experienced new employment highs for the eighth consecutive month! 

Getting employed in one of these great trade jobs in Texas can lead to better compensation, employment security, and long-term professional advancement.

The highest paying trade jobs without a degree available in Texas are listed here. Please note that several authentic sources on the web disclose varying amounts of base salaries for each position based on their own research. 

If you are in New Mexico or Arizona we have dedicated articles for best paying trade jobs for those states as well. 

To keep things consistent we have taken Zippia as the standard. If you wish to do more research on a specific career path we recommend you also try:

Before we get started with our list if you are struggling with the idea of a career change we highly recommend that you go through two of our most popular guides: 6 Best Podcast for Changing Careers and 7 Best Books for Changing Careers.

Texas state seen from magnifying glass
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1. Radiation Therapists

Radiation therapists deliver radiation treatments to cancer patients utilizing the most recent technology and procedures while working in hospitals, doctors' offices, and outpatient facilities. 

They frequently work as part of a broader oncology team that also includes medical physicists, oncology nurses, and radiation oncologists. Linear accelerators, or LINACs, are extremely sophisticated machines that are operated by radiation therapists. 

By sending high-energy X-rays or electrons to tumors and cancer cells, these devices can treat every part of a patient's body. Over time, the tumor or cells are reduced in size or destroyed by the treatment.

Hospitals, doctor's offices, academic institutions, and outpatient facilities are usually the ones that employ radiation therapists. These heroes support patients in their fight against cancer while earning a competitive salary. It’s one of the most fulfilling trade jobs out there. 

Occupational Summary

2021 Median Pay for Texas:  $87,631 ($42.13 per hour)

2021 national salary for Radiation Therapists:

Image courtesy: Zippia

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree (Bachelor’s degree to advance career)

Job Outlook, 2020-30: Radiation therapist employment is anticipated to increase by 9% between 2020 and 2030, which is about average for all occupations.

Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 1,100 opportunities for radiation therapists.

What Radiation Therapists do

The following is what a Radiation Therapist normally does:

  • Describe treatment plans to the patient and respond to inquiries regarding the procedure.
  • Avoid exposing patients or yourself to radiation improperly.
  • Locate tumors to ensure that patients are positioned properly for receiving each therapy.
  • Set the machine up and run it to administer radiation therapy to the patient.
  • Keep an eye on the patient to look for any odd treatment reactions.
  • Keep careful notes of your medical care given.

Top Texas cities paying the highest Radiation Therapist salaries

Here are the top cities paying well for Radiation Therapists in Texas

  • Dallas, TX $106,329 per year
  • Austin, TX $105,697 per year
  • Houston, TX $104,258 per year
  • Irving, TX $102,766 per year
  • Fort Worth, TX $100,452 per year
  • San Antonio, TX $99,195 per year
  • Southlake, TX $94,969 per year
  • Corpus Christi, TX $92,640 per year
  • Texarkana, TX $88,183 per year

Top companies paying well for Radiation Therapists in Texas

  • ATC Healthcare
  • Rapid Temps, Inc
  • MWIDM Inc.
  • UT Southwestern Medical Center
  • Adventist Health

Texas ranks 13th best nationwide for Radiation Therapists

Texas ranks 13th best nationwide for Radiation Therapists
Source: Zippia

2. Dental Hygienists

Under the dentist's direction, dental hygienists perform preventative oral care. In addition to assessing the patients' dental health, they concentrate on locating and treating any gum disease. You can learn how to take care of teeth and gums by eliminating plaque and tartar through a dental hygienist course.

Hygienists provide their patients with important guidance on how to maintain a healthy diet in addition to helping them take care of their dental health. Therefore, patients can follow the advice they were given to stop tooth decay and keep their smiles looking good.

Compared to dental assistants, dental hygienists are different. While they both work in dental offices under the supervision of dentists, their job responsibilities, educational requirements, pay, and the number of hours they normally put in are different. 

Dental assistants, on the other hand, accompany patients to examination and treatment rooms, get them ready for exams and operations, and clean and pass over dental tools to dentists.

Occupational Summary

2021 Median Pay for Texas:  $81,559 ($39.21 per hour)

2021 national salary for Dental Hygienists:

2021 national salary for Dental Hygienists
Source: Zippia

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree

Job Outlook, 2020-30: Dental hygienist employment is anticipated to increase by 11% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 15,600 openings for dental hygienists.

What Dental Hygienists do

The following is what a Dental Hygienist normally does:

  • Perform a preliminary examination on each new patient seeking dental care.
  • Apply fluorides and sealants for tooth protection after cleaning and removing stains, plaque, and tartar from teeth. Take dental x-rays and develop them.
  • Administer patients with local anesthetics.
  • Record the patient's care and treatment plans.
  • Examine each patient's dental health and inform dentists of your findings
  • Educate patients on how to properly clean and floss their teeth and maintain good oral hygiene.

Top Texas cities paying the highest Dental Hygienist salaries

Here are the top cities paying well for Dental Hygienists in Texas

  • Dallas, TX $88,665 per year
  • Austin, TX $88,137 per year
  • Houston, TX $86,937 per year
  • San Antonio, TX $82,716 per year
  • Frisco, TX $81,674 per year
  • Round Rock, TX $79,821 per year
  • Carrollton, TX $78,554 per year
  • El Paso, TX $75,677 per year
  • Cypress, TX $73,770 per year

Top companies paying well for Dental Hygienists in Texas

  • Fox Creek Family Dental
  • Dental Connections
  • Western Dental Services
  • Advanced Dentistry
  • Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
  • Dental Health Associates
  • Dental Connections
  • Onsite Dental
  • Dental Works
  • Willamette Dental

Texas ranks 22nd best nationwide for Dental Hygienists

Source: Zippia

3. Construction Managers

The creation of all varieties of public, private, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as roads, monuments, and bridges, are just a few of the many projects that construction managers, also known as general contractors or project managers, coordinate and oversee. 

A construction manager is in charge of overseeing the project's construction phase, they also communicate with the client during the project's design stage to help refine construction plans and keep costs in check.

Building experts including architects, civil engineers, and a range of tradespeople like stonemasons, electricians, and carpenters collaborate closely with construction managers. 

They also hire and manage experts in anything from structural steel and painting to landscaping, paving roads, and excavation that may be needed for certain projects. Construction managers might communicate with attorneys and local government representatives if the need arises. 

For instance, construction managers occasionally consult with city inspectors when working on city-owned land or municipal structures to make sure that all rules and regulations are met.

Occupational Summary

2021 Median Pay for Texas:  $81,313 yearly ($39.09 per hour)

2021 national salary for Construction Managers:

Source: Zippia

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree (Bachelor’s degree to advance career)

Job Outlook, 2020-30: Construction managers' employment is expected to increase by 11% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Throughout the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 38,900 openings for construction managers.

What Construction Managers do

The following is what a Construction Manager normally does:

  • Create work schedules, budgets, and cost estimates.
  • Contract interpretation and technical information explanation to other specialists.
  • Inform clients of job progress and financial issues.
  • Work together with engineers, architects, and other construction experts.
  • Choose subcontractors, then plan and organize their work.
  • Respond to unforeseen circumstances, work delays, and other issues.
  • Respect all applicable laws, building, and safety codes, and other rules.

Top Texas cities paying the highest Construction Manager salaries

Here are the top cities paying well for Construction Managers in Texas

  • Dallas, TX $80,363 per year
  • Austin, TX $79,885 per year
  • Houston, TX $78,797 per year
  • Plano, TX $78,442 per year
  • San Antonio, TX $74,971 per year
  • Frisco, TX $74,026 per year
  • McKinney, TX $71,468 per year
  • Corpus Christi, TX $70,016 per year
  • Cypress, TX $66,862 per year

Top companies paying well for Construction Managers in Texas

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
  • AECOM
  • Arrow Workforce Solutions
  • CBRE
  • Freese and Nichols
  • Ericsson-Worldwide
  • Vector Force Development, LLC
  • Gannett Fleming
  • Perry Homes
  • Black & Veatch

Texas ranks 31st best nationwide for Construction Managers

Texas ranks 31st best nationwide for Construction Managers
Source: Zippia

4. Web Developers

A web developer is in charge of writing the code that directs how websites and web apps should function. Web developers often focus on "front-end" (also known as client-side) or "back-end" (also known as server-side) development. "Full-Stack Developers" are capable of doing both.

In order to provide reliable performance on any sort of computer, mobile, or device screen, web developers work on creating visual designs and layouts, integrating graphics and content, optimizing website performance and capacity, and testing. 

As a web developer, you will be required to know how to create code in a number of frequently used online programming languages, such as JavaScript, HTML (HyperText Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), etc.

Any web developer that works on larger development teams is also likely to spend a lot of time coordinating and interacting with other team members, such as software developers, web designers, project managers, and other stakeholders.

This short course of just 4.5 months can get your career started as a Front End Web Developer!

Occupational Summary

2021 Median Pay for Texas:  $72,544 ($34.88 per hour)

2021 national salary for Web Developers:

2021 national salary for Web Developers
Image courtesy: Zippia

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree (Bachelor’s degree to advance career)

Job Outlook, 2020-30: Web development jobs are expected to increase by 13% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 17,900 opportunities for web developers.

What Web Developers do

The following is what a Web Developer normally does:

  • Collaborating with graphic designers, user experience designers, or web designers to make sure design concepts can be turned into a user-friendly website.
  • Converting a website's design (such as sketches or wireframes) into code that a web browser can understand and display on your screen.
  • Constructing a website in a way that makes it simple for search engines to find it (this is part of Search Engine Optimization or SEO)
  • Creating websites that are functional and appealing on all screen sizes, from five-inch smartphone screens to 24-inch computer monitors (this is called responsive design)
  • Web testing, bug fixes, and other issues

Top Texas cities paying the highest Web Developer salaries

Here are the top cities paying well for Web Developers in Texas

  • Dallas, TX $70,258 per year
  • Houston, TX $68,889 per year
  • Plano, TX $68,578 per year
  • Irving, TX $67,903 per year
  • Addison, TX $67,439 per year
  • Fort Worth, TX $66,374 per year
  • San Antonio, TX $65,544 per year
  • Carrollton, TX $62,246 per year
  • Garland, TX $60,783 per year

Top companies paying well for Web Developers in Texas

  • Boeing
  • Cor-tech International
  • Genesis Acquisitions, Inc.
  • Wells Fargo
  • Dental Connections
  • Splunk
  • Infosys
  • BlueModus
  • Dassault Systèmes

Texas ranks 25th best nationwide for Web Developers

Texas ranks 25th best nationwide for Web Developers
Source: Zippia

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5. Respiratory Therapists

An RT is a medical specialist who collaborates with physicians to evaluate, identify, and treat lung and breathing problems such as emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma.

To choose the most effective therapy approach, they can, for instance, interview and assess people. The majority of RTs hold certifications as Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).

RTs collaborate with physicians and nurses and perform a variety of tasks relating to lung health. For instance, they assist people in managing breathing issues and enhancing their quality of life. Respiratory Therapists also develop long-term care plans and give individuals and their families instruction, training, and information.

They treat breathing disorders in a variety of settings, including maternity wards, doctor's offices, and emergency departments. They also work in hospices, nursing homes, and home care facilities.

Occupational Summary

2021 Median Pay for Texas:  $54,638 ($26.27 per hour)

2021 national salary for Respiratory Therapists:

2021 national salary for Respiratory Therapists
Source: Zippia

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree

Job Outlook, 2020-30: From 2020 to 2030, it is anticipated that the employment of respiratory therapists would increase by 23%, which is substantially faster than the average for all occupations.

Over the following ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 10,100 opportunities for respiratory therapists.

What Respiratory Therapists do

The following is what a Respiratory Therapist normally does:

  • Aid in identifying lung or respiratory conditions.
  • Assessing patients, running tests, and conducting research.
  • Decide on the best course of treatment and therapy alongside medical professionals.
  • Analyze sputum and blood in a laboratory.
  • Organize the tools and equipment required to assist those who cannot breathe regularly on their own.
  • Educate patients about lung diseases and breathing disorders.
  • Recommending tools and remedies for outpatient or at-home care
  • Teaching patients how to use equipment and conduct treatments on their own while at home
  • Ensuring the safety of patients (and other healthcare workers) by following strict protocols

Top Texas cities paying the highest Respiratory Therapist salaries

Here are the top cities paying well for Respiratory Therapists in Texas

  • Dallas, TX $92,129 per year
  • Austin, TX $91,581 per year
  • Houston, TX $90,334 per year
  • Plano, TX $89,927 per year
  • Fort Worth, TX $87,037 per year
  • San Antonio, TX $85,948 per year
  • Arlington, TX $81,297 per year
  • El Paso, TX $78,634 per year
  • Tyler, TX $77,423 per year

Top companies paying well for Respiratory Therapists in Texas

  • Aya Healthcare
  • St. David's HealthCare
  • General Healthcare Resources, Inc.
  • Medmetry Inc
  • Pulse Clinical Alliance
  • ATC Healthcare

Texas ranks 11th best nationwide for Respiratory Therapists

Texas ranks 11th best nationwide for Respiratory Therapists
Source: Zippia

6. HVAC Technician

The quality and temperature of the air within residential and commercial buildings are controlled by HVAC systems, which are installed, repaired and maintained by qualified specialists known as HVAC technicians. 

These technicians achieve all this by designing, installing, testing, controlling, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems that keep people warm on cold days, cool on hot days, and breathing clean, filtered air. Their services are available for industrial, commercial, and residential indoor settings.

HVAC technicians may opt to specialize solely in one of the heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems even though they are trained in all three areas. They may have a particular interest in installation, upkeep, or repair in specific circumstances. 

Additionally, they could be experts in a certain category of machinery, such as water-based heating systems, solar technology systems, or industrial refrigeration.

Occupational Summary

2021 Median Pay for Texas:  $49,657 ($23.87 per hour)

2021 national salary for HVAC Technicians:

2021 national salary for HVAC Technicians
Source: Zippia

Typical Entry-Level Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Job Outlook, 2020-30: The employment of mechanics and installers of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration is expected to expand by 5% between 2020 and 2030, which is slightly slower than the average for all occupations.

Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 38,500 opportunities for HVAC Technicians.

What HVAC Technicians do

The following is what an HVAC Technician normally does:

  • Installation, upkeep, and equipment maintenance for ventilation and air conditioning systems.
  • Identifying equipment maintenance concerns.
  • Identifying mechanical and electrical issues in HVAC systems.
  • System maintenance tasks like cleaning, adjusting, and repairs, as well as warranty work.
  • Completing urgent repairs quickly and effectively.
  • Giving technical guidance and on-the-job instruction.
  • Logging and recording all maintenance activities on a daily basis.
  • Ensuring adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and appliance standards.
  • Complying with client requirements, work directions, and service standards.
  • Helping clients with their inquiries.

Top Texas cities paying the highest HVAC Technician salaries

Here are the top cities paying well for HVAC Technicians in Texas

  • Dallas, TX $60,026 per year
  • Austin, TX $59,669 per year
  • Houston, TX $58,856 per year
  • Plano, TX $58,591 per year
  • Fort Worth, TX $56,708 per year
  • San Antonio, TX $55,998 per year
  • Garland, TX $51,931 per year
  • Pflugerville, TX $51,329 per year
  • Waco, TX $51,137 per year

Top companies paying well for HVAC Technicians in Texas

  • Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing
  • JOHN MOORE SERVICES
  • Plumbline Services
  • Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning
  • AJ PERRI
  • Raynor Services
  • Air Comfort Solutions
  • Metro Energy Savers
  • AZ Air Conditioning & Heating
  • ARS/Rescue Rooter

Texas ranks 38th best nationwide for HVAC Technicians

Texas ranks 38th best nationwide for HVAC Technicians
Image courtesy: Zippia

Final Word

If you are the kind of guy or gal that likes challenges and likes to roll their sleeves up and jump into some hands-on work then a trade profession can be a terrific choice. 

Jobs in the trades frequently pay very well for the particular skill set they demand and only necessitate short vocational education or training instead of a four-year degree. Not only do many Americans don’t want to commit to that much education but they prefer not to get into huge amounts of debt that university education requires.

Finding out about the wide range of high-paying trade careers available in Texas can help you decide on a career that best suits your interests, whether you are applying to trade schools or looking into trade jobs in your area.

In this article, we shared a list of skilled trades in Texas and gave you as much detail as possible to help you make an informed decision to build a solid career.

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Last updated on:
March 13, 2024

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