Austin, Texas is home to a diverse job market with opportunities in technology, government, healthcare, education and more. For job seekers looking to maximize their earning potential, some of the highest paying jobs in Austin are:
Technology Jobs
With major tech employers like Dell, IBM, Apple and Oracle in the area, it’s no surprise that technology jobs dominate the highest paying occupations in Austin. Some of the top earning roles include:
- Software Architect – $136,000 median salary
- Engineering Manager – $132,000 median salary
- IT Manager – $131,000 median salary
- Software Developer – $104,000 median salary
- Computer Hardware Engineer – $103,000 median salary
Austin’s thriving start-up scene also creates high paying opportunities for IT professionals. Tech talent is in high demand, so those with software development, system admin, database management and other tech skills can command top dollar.
Healthcare Jobs
With prestigious medical centers like the Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas and St. David’s Medical Center, Austin’s healthcare sector provides some exceptionally high salaries. The most lucrative medical jobs include:
- Surgeon – $208,000 median salary
- Physician – $193,000 median salary
- Dentist – $166,000 median salary
- Pharmacist – $120,000 median salary
- Physical Therapist – $86,000 median salary
Nurses, technicians and other healthcare professionals can also earn excellent wages, especially with experience and specializations. The growing population of Austin and focus on life sciences makes healthcare a reliable path to high pay.
Finance Jobs
Major banks and financial services firms are prominent in Austin, creating finance roles that are among the highest paying in the region. Jobs like:
- Actuary – $108,000 median salary
- Financial Analyst – $71,000 median salary
- Accountant – $69,000 median salary
- Financial Manager – $68,000 median salary
Offer median salaries in the six figures and up. Certified public accountants and chartered financial analysts can command especially high compensation in Austin.
Legal Jobs
With the state government and major universities based in Austin, the legal field provides ample high wage occupations. These jobs include:
- Lawyer – $144,000 median salary
- Paralegal – $56,000 median salary
- Legal Secretary – $48,000 median salary
Those working at top law firms or as corporate counsel at tech companies tend to earn the highest legal salaries. Patent lawyers are also in demand in Austin’s tech hub.
Management Jobs
Experienced professionals in any industry can boost pay by moving into management roles. Some of the top paying management positions in Austin are:
- CEO – $200,000 median salary
- Sales Manager – $139,000 median salary
- Operations Manager – $114,000 median salary
- Marketing Manager – $102,000 median salary
Salaries for top executives like CEOs can range into the millions at major corporations. Even middle managers across departments like human resources, marketing and project management can earn six-figure incomes once established in their careers.
Energy Jobs
With Texas being an energy hub, Austin offers high paying jobs in the oil, gas and utility industries. Examples include:
- Petroleum Engineer – $126,000 median salary
- Electrical Engineer – $98,000 median salary
- Mechanical Engineer – $91,000 median salary
- Environmental Engineer – $88,000 median salary
Chemical engineers, technical service managers, project managers and other energy specialists also earn top incomes in Austin’s robust oil, gas and green energy sectors.
Aviation Jobs
As home to companies like Boeing and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin has opportunities for aviation professionals to earn big. Pilot and air traffic controller salaries average:
- Commercial Pilot – $120,000 median salary
- Air Traffic Controller – $124,000 median salary
Managers and technicians in aviation maintenance, operations and logistics also earn large paychecks. With high tech avionics and systems, specialization pays off.
Construction Jobs
Rapid growth in Austin has created high demand for construction skills. Top incomes go to:
- Construction Manager – $93,000 median salary
- Electrician – $55,000 median salary
- Plumber – $53,000 median salary
Supervisors, inspectors and workers with special skills like crane operation or welding also earn above-average wages in construction. Safety training and certifications boost pay.
Best Paying Jobs in Austin by Median Salary
While specific salaries can vary widely based on experience, education, company size and other factors, the following jobs have the highest median salaries in Austin according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Profession | Median Salary |
---|---|
Surgeon | $208,000 |
Chief Executive | $200,000 |
Lawyer | $144,000 |
Sales Manager | $139,000 |
Software Architect | $136,000 |
Air Traffic Controller | $124,000 |
Petroleum Engineer | $126,000 |
Engineering Manager | $132,000 |
IT Manager | $131,000 |
Commercial Pilot | $120,000 |
Education and Training Requirements
While salaries vary, most high paying Austin jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree and often graduate level education. For example:
- Physicians must complete medical school and residencies.
- Lawyers need a law degree and pass the bar exam.
- Engineers and IT professionals typically have bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
- CPAs require 150 credit hours of education.
- MBA degree preferred for executive roles.
Specialized training, certifications, security clearances and other qualifications may also be required. Pilots and air traffic controllers complete intensive federal training programs, for instance.
Job Outlook and Growth
Many of Austin’s top paying jobs are in fast-growing fields like technology, healthcare and construction. For example, the BLS predicts 2020-2030 job growth for:
- Software Developers – 22%
- Computer Occupations – 13%
- Engineers – 7%
- Physicians – 7%
- Construction Managers – 6%
However, other high wage jobs like lawyers, pilots and petroleum engineers are projected to see little or no growth. Overall, earning potential remains strong in both fast and slow growing occupations.
Conclusion
Austin offers a wide selection of high paying jobs, especially in booming fields like technology, healthcare, aviation and construction. While salaries vary based on experience, industry and specific role, workers can maximize earning potential through education, training and proven expertise. With its robust job market and business-friendly environment, Austin provides opportunities for professionals to earn incomes at the top of their fields.