Career Planning: Job Market & Outcomes

Leverage Texas's booming economy and diverse industries. Explore career paths, salary expectations, and how to position yourself for success in the Lone Star State.

3.5%

Unemployment Rate

$60,000

Median Salary

52

Fortune 500 Companies

85%

Graduate Employment

Major Industries & Career Opportunities

Energy & Oil

Texas leads the nation in energy production, from traditional oil & gas to renewable wind and solar.

  • • Petroleum Engineer: $120,000-$180,000
  • • Energy Analyst: $70,000-$95,000
  • • Renewable Energy Specialist: $60,000-$85,000
  • • Geologist: $65,000-$90,000

Technology

Austin's "Silicon Hills" and other tech hubs make Texas a major player in technology innovation.

  • • Software Developer: $80,000-$140,000
  • • Data Scientist: $90,000-$130,000
  • • Cybersecurity Specialist: $85,000-$125,000
  • • UX/UI Designer: $70,000-$110,000

Healthcare

World-renowned medical centers in Houston and Dallas create abundant healthcare opportunities.

  • • Registered Nurse: $70,000-$90,000
  • • Physical Therapist: $85,000-$105,000
  • • Medical Technologist: $55,000-$75,000
  • • Healthcare Administrator: $75,000-$120,000

Aerospace

NASA Johnson Space Center and aerospace companies make Texas a leader in space exploration.

  • • Aerospace Engineer: $95,000-$140,000
  • • Mission Specialist: $80,000-$120,000
  • • Systems Analyst: $75,000-$105,000
  • • Project Manager: $85,000-$125,000

Finance & Business

Major corporate headquarters and financial centers in Dallas, Houston, and Austin.

  • • Financial Analyst: $65,000-$90,000
  • • Investment Banker: $90,000-$150,000
  • • Marketing Manager: $70,000-$110,000
  • • Management Consultant: $80,000-$130,000

Agriculture & Food

Leading agricultural state with innovative food production and processing industries.

  • • Agricultural Engineer: $70,000-$95,000
  • • Food Scientist: $65,000-$85,000
  • • Supply Chain Manager: $75,000-$110,000
  • • Sustainable Agriculture Specialist: $55,000-$80,000
Texas Career Hubs & Regional Opportunities

Austin

Tech capital of Texas with vibrant startup scene

  • • Major employers: Dell, IBM, Apple, Google, Facebook
  • • Strong in: Software, gaming, clean tech, music industry
  • • Startup ecosystem with venture capital access
  • • Creative industries and digital media

Houston

Energy capital with major medical center

  • • Major employers: Exxon, BP, Chevron, Texas Medical Center
  • • Strong in: Energy, petrochemicals, aerospace, healthcare
  • • Port of Houston creates logistics opportunities
  • • NASA Johnson Space Center

Dallas-Fort Worth

Major business hub with corporate headquarters

  • • Major employers: AT&T, American Airlines, ExxonMobil
  • • Strong in: Finance, telecommunications, defense, logistics
  • • DFW Airport creates aviation industry jobs
  • • Growing tech and fintech sector

San Antonio

Military, healthcare, and tourism center

  • • Major employers: USAA, Valero, H-E-B, military bases
  • • Strong in: Military/defense, healthcare, cybersecurity
  • • Growing bioscience and research sectors
  • • Tourism and hospitality industry
Building Your Career During College

Internships & Co-ops

  • • Summer internships at major Texas companies
  • • Co-op programs with engineering firms
  • • Government internships (NASA, state agencies)
  • • Startup and small business opportunities
  • • Research assistantships with professors

Networking & Professional Development

  • • Professional student organizations
  • • Industry conferences and career fairs
  • • Alumni networking events
  • • LinkedIn profile optimization
  • • Professional certifications

Skills Development

  • • Technical skills in your field
  • • Communication and presentation skills
  • • Leadership through campus involvement
  • • Project management experience
  • • Cross-cultural competency
Post-Graduation Outcomes by Major

Engineering

Employment Rate
92%
Median Starting Salary$75,000

Top employers: ExxonMobil, Texas Instruments, NASA

Computer Science

Employment Rate
94%
Median Starting Salary$85,000

Top employers: Google, Apple, Dell, IBM

Business Administration

Employment Rate
88%
Median Starting Salary$55,000

Top employers: AT&T, American Airlines, JP Morgan

Nursing

Employment Rate
96%
Median Starting Salary$68,000

Top employers: Texas Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White

Education

Employment Rate
85%
Median Starting Salary$48,000

Top employers: Texas school districts, charter schools

Liberal Arts

Employment Rate
78%
Median Starting Salary$42,000

Diverse pathways: nonprofits, government, communications

Career Success Strategies for Texas Graduates

Leverage Texas Advantages

  • • Stay in-state to utilize college alumni networks
  • • Take advantage of no state income tax
  • • Explore opportunities in growing cities
  • • Consider Texas-based Fortune 500 companies
  • • Utilize state job placement resources
  • • Network within industry clusters

Professional Development

  • • Pursue relevant professional certifications
  • • Join industry associations and chambers
  • • Attend Texas-based conferences and events
  • • Consider graduate school for advancement
  • • Develop leadership through volunteer work

Building Your Texas Career

  • • Start with internships at target companies
  • • Build relationships with professors and mentors
  • • Participate in career fairs and recruiting events
  • • Develop both technical and soft skills
  • • Consider startup opportunities for rapid growth
  • • Stay current with industry trends and technology

Long-term Success

  • • Build a diverse professional network
  • • Consider entrepreneurship opportunities
  • • Give back to your college and community
  • • Stay adaptable to changing job markets
  • • Plan for continuous learning and upskilling

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