Top 6 Texas Jobs for College Degree Holders

texas jobs college degree

Top 6 Texas Jobs for College Degree Holders

Texas boasts a thriving economy in 2025, offering abundant opportunities for college degree holders in industries like technology, energy, healthcare, and education. With major hubs like Austin, Houston, and Dallas driving job growth, the Lone Star State is a prime destination for graduates seeking high-paying, stable careers. This article highlights the top six Texas jobs requiring a college degree, focusing on roles with strong demand, competitive salaries, and growth potential. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional relocating to Texas, these career paths leverage your college degree to unlock rewarding opportunities in Texas’s robust job market. Lots of great Texas jobs to go around!

Why a College Degree Matters in Texas’s Job Market

Texas’s economy is one of the largest in the U.S., with a 4.1% unemployment rate in September 2024, slightly below the national average, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. A college degree provides a significant advantage, opening doors to roles with higher salaries and long-term stability in Texas’s diverse industries. From Austin’s tech boom to Houston’s energy sector, employers seek skilled graduates to fuel growth. Below, we explore six top jobs for college degree holders in Texas, each offering strong career prospects in 2025.

1. Software Engineer

Average Salary: $100,000–$140,000

Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field

Austin, often dubbed the “Silicon Hills,” leads Texas’s tech surge, with companies like Dell, Tesla, and startups hiring software engineers to develop innovative applications and systems. Software engineers are also in demand in Dallas and Houston for industries like finance and healthcare. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is typically required, with employers valuing coding experience and certifications.

Why It’s Hot in 2025: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 25% growth in software development jobs through 2032, with Texas’s tech sector growing rapidly. Austin alone added 10,000 tech jobs in 2024, per CompTIA data.

Key Skills: Python, Java, cloud computing (AWS, Azure), and problem-solving.

Top Employers: Apple, IBM, and Austin-based startups like Bumble.

Pro Tip: Build a GitHub portfolio and attend tech events like South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin to network with recruiters.

2. Registered Nurse

Average Salary: $80,000–$110,000

Degree Required: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Healthcare is a powerhouse in Texas, driven by a growing population and world-class medical centers in Houston and Dallas. Registered nurses (RNs) provide patient care, administer treatments, and collaborate with medical teams in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. A BSN is increasingly required, especially at top facilities like Houston Methodist, ranked among the nation’s best hospitals.

Why It’s Hot in 2025: Texas’s nursing demand is projected to grow 7% through 2033, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a low 1.2% unemployment rate for nursing majors. High-demand areas include Houston, San Antonio, and rural regions.

Key Skills: Patient care, critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability.

Top Employers: Baylor Scott & White, Texas Health Resources, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Pro Tip: Pursue certifications in specialties like critical care or pediatrics to boost job prospects in Texas’s competitive healthcare market.

3. Petroleum Engineer

Average Salary: $100,000–$150,000

Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Houston, the energy capital of the world, drives demand for petroleum engineers who design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas. With Texas producing 43% of U.S. crude oil, per the Energy Information Administration, this role remains critical. A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field is required, with opportunities for specialization in drilling or reservoir engineering.

Why It’s Hot in 2025: Despite the push for renewables, Texas’s oil and gas industry remains robust, with a projected 6% job growth through 2032. High salaries make this a lucrative field for graduates.

Key Skills: Reservoir simulation, drilling techniques, and project management.

Top Employers: ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Halliburton.

Pro Tip: Gain experience through internships with energy firms in Houston to build industry connections.

4. Data Analyst

Average Salary: $75,000–$100,000

Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related field

Data analysts are in demand across Texas’s tech, finance, and energy sectors, interpreting complex datasets to drive business decisions. Austin and Dallas are hubs for data-driven roles, with companies leveraging analytics for growth. A bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field is typically required, with proficiency in tools like SQL and Tableau highly valued.

Why It’s Hot in 2025: Texas’s growing reliance on data-driven strategies fuels demand for analysts, with flexible roles offering remote or hybrid options. The role provides a pathway to higher-paying data science positions.

Key Skills: SQL, Python, data visualization, and critical thinking.

Top Employers: Capital One, Indeed, and energy firms like ConocoPhillips.

Pro Tip: Complete online courses in Power BI or machine learning to enhance your skill set and appeal to Texas employers.

5. Financial Analyst

Average Salary: $75,000–$100,000

Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Finance, Economics, Business, or related field

Texas’s finance sector, particularly in Dallas and Houston, is a hub for banking, investment, and corporate finance. Financial analysts evaluate market trends, create financial models, and provide insights for businesses and clients. A bachelor’s degree in finance or economics is essential, with CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) credentials boosting prospects for senior roles.

Why It’s Hot in 2025: Dallas’s growing status as a financial hub and Houston’s energy-driven finance sector drive demand for analysts. Entry-level roles are accessible to graduates, with clear advancement paths. Key Skills: Excel, financial modeling, data analysis, and communication.

Top Employers: JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and regional banks like Frost Bank.

Pro Tip: Secure internships at Texas-based financial institutions to gain experience and build a strong resume.

6. High School Teacher

Average Salary: $55,000–$75,000

Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Education or specific subject area (e.g., Math, Science)

Texas’s growing population fuels demand for high school teachers, particularly in STEM subjects, to educate the next generation. Cities like Austin, Houston, and San Antonio face teacher shortages, making this a stable career choice. A bachelor’s degree in education or a specific subject, plus state certification, is required.

Why It’s Hot in 2025: The Texas Education Agency reports a need for 10,000+ teachers annually, with a 7% projected growth through 2032, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Benefits like pensions and summer breaks add appeal.

Key Skills: Classroom management, subject expertise, and communication.

Top Employers: Dallas ISD, Houston ISD, and charter schools.

Pro Tip: Obtain Texas teaching certification (TExES) early and gain experience through student teaching to stand out.

Tips for Landing College Degree Texas Jobs

  • Network Locally: Attend career fairs in Austin, Houston, or Dallas, and join professional groups like the Texas Technology Chamber to connect with employers.
  • Customize Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, internships, and skills tailored to Texas’s industries. Include keywords like “college degree Texas jobs” on LinkedIn to boost visibility.
  • Pursue Certifications: Consider certifications like PMP for project management, AWS for tech, or CFA for finance to enhance your credentials.
  • Use Job Boards: Explore platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Texas Workforce Commission’s WorkInTexas.com for listings, especially for state-specific opportunities.
  • Prepare for Interviews: Research Texas-based companies and practice answering industry-specific questions to showcase your enthusiasm and knowledge.

Conclusion

A college degree unlocks a range of high-paying and rewarding jobs in Texas’s diverse economy in 2025. From software engineering in Austin to petroleum engineering in Houston, these roles offer competitive salaries and growth opportunities in one of the nation’s most dynamic job markets. By leveraging your education, building relevant skills, and networking strategically, you can secure a top-tier position in Texas. Start your job search today on platforms like WorkInTexas.com or Indeed, and take the first step toward a successful career in the Lone Star State.

For more information on job opportunities, visit https://www.workintexas.com or explore salary data at https://www.bls.gov.

And, of course, be in touch with us at SmarterDegree so that we can help you earn your bachelors degree simpler, quicker, and more affordably.