Austin, famed for its pulsating culture and the iconic sound of live music, stands out as one of Texas’s most energetic cities. Yet, beyond its cultural allure, it boasts a thriving and diverse job market. This guide delves into the highest-paying jobs across various sectors, highlighting why Austin is a hotspot for career advancement.
Ideal for recent graduates, experienced professionals, or anyone contemplating a new chapter in their careers, this detailed exploration into the city’s employment scene is an indispensable resource for understanding where opportunity meets potential in Austin.
On a side note, if you need help moving to the city, hire an Austin moving company. The city’s moving industry is quite robust, with a lot of high-quality moving companies.
Other than that, let’s get right into it!
What is a High Salary in Austin?
Before we dive into the highest-paying jobs in Austin, TX, let’s first define what we mean by a high salary. According to, a high salary in Austin, TX is generally considered to be around $100,000 per year. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of living in Austin, TX is higher than in many other cities in the US.
For example, the cost of living in Austin, TX is 7% higher than in Dallas, TX, and 14% higher than in Houston, TX. So, while $100,000 per year may seem like a high salary, it may not go as far in Austin, TX as it would in other cities.
To determine if a salary is high in Austin, TX, it’s important to take into account the cost of living, as well as other factors such as the industry, job title, and level of experience. For example, a salary of $100,000 per year may be considered high for a software engineer with 5 years of experience, but it may not be considered high for a senior executive with 20 years of experience.
What Job Has the Highest Salary in Austin, Texas?
According to 1, the highest paying job in Austin, TX is a Hospitalist Physician, with an average annual salary of $258,874 and an entry-level salary of $184,000. Other high-paying jobs in Austin, TX include Physician, Medical Director, Primary Care Physician, and Consultant and Sales Representative. The salaries for these jobs range from $198,069 to $215,994 per year.
Compared to other cities in the US, the salaries for the highest-paying jobs in Austin, TX are generally higher. For example, the average salary for a Hospitalist Physician in Austin, TX is $258,874 per year, while the average salary for the same job in New York, NY is $235,000 per year. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of living in Austin, TX is also higher than in many other cities in the US.
What is a Living Wage in Austin TX?
A living wage is the minimum amount of money that a person needs to earn to cover their basic expenses, such as housing, food, and healthcare. According to, the living wage in Austin, TX is $13.84 per hour, or $28,787 per year for a single adult. For a family of four, the living wage in Austin, TX is $67,146 per year.
To determine if a salary is a living wage in Austin, TX, it’s important to take into account the cost of living, as well as other factors such as the industry, job title, and level of experience. For example, a salary of $50,000 per year may be considered a living wage for a software engineer with 5 years of experience, but it may not be considered a living wage for a senior executive with 20 years of experience.
Best-Paid Industries in Austin, TX
Here are the top 3 best-paid industries in Austin, TX:
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Finance and Insurance
The salaries for these industries range from $60,000 to $258,874 per year. Again, it’s important to keep in mind that salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as industry, job title, and level of experience.
The Tech Boom: Leading the Way in High Salaries
The Rise of Silicon Hills
Dubbed “Silicon Hills,” Austin has rapidly evolved into a formidable tech stronghold, rivaling the famed Silicon Valley. Tech giants like Dell, Apple, and IBM have laid down extensive operations, creating a plethora of high-paying tech jobs. Positions such as software engineers, data scientists, and IT managers are highly coveted, with remuneration often crossing the six-figure threshold.
Startups and Innovation
Austin’s vibrant startup scene is a treasure trove of high-paying job opportunities. Groundbreaking startups in fields like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and biotechnology are in constant pursuit of talent. In these innovative hubs, roles like product managers, UX/UI designers, and research scientists are not only in high demand but also offer competitive salaries.
Health Care: A Sector of Stability and Growth
Medical Professionals in High Demand
The healthcare industry in Austin stands as a pillar of strength and growth. Esteemed institutions such as the Seton Healthcare Family and St. David’s HealthCare are always on the lookout for medical professionals. Surgeons, physicians, and pharmacists, in particular, are among the top earners, with the healthcare sector providing both job security and excellent compensation.
Emerging Health Tech
At the intersection of healthcare and technology, Austin has carved out a niche in health tech. This burgeoning field offers lucrative opportunities for roles like health informatics specialists and biomedical engineers, blending high salaries with the thrill of being at the cutting edge of medical advancements.
Legal and Financial Services: The Backbone of Austin’s Economy
Law Professionals at the Top
The legal arena in Austin is flourishing. Experienced lawyers, especially in specialties like corporate, intellectual property, and environmental law, are among the city’s top earners. Roles such as legal consultants and compliance officers also hold prominent positions in the salary spectrum.
Finance and Investment Experts
As home to an increasing number of financial services and investment firms, Austin presents a fertile ground for finance professionals. Investment bankers, financial advisors, and risk managers are key players in Austin’s economic fabric, boasting not only high salaries but also playing a vital role in the city’s financial health.
Creative Industries: Where Passion Meets Paycheck
The Film and Music Scene
Austin’s reputation as a film and music powerhouse is well-deserved. Successful individuals in these arenas, like film directors, producers, and music producers, often find themselves among the city’s top earners.
Marketing and Design
In the realms of advertising and design, creative directors, marketing managers, and graphic designers enjoy lucrative salaries. These roles offer a blend of creative freedom and financial reward, particularly at senior levels.
Education and Research: Shaping the Future
Academia and Research Institutes
Institutions like The University of Texas at Austin and various research institutes provide high-paying opportunities for academicians and researchers. Professors in STEM fields and research directors not only enjoy lucrative salaries but also contribute significantly to the intellectual wealth of the city.
Conclusion
Austin’s job market mirrors the city’s diversity, offering an array of high-paying roles across multiple sectors. Whether your expertise lies in tech, healthcare, law, finance, the arts, education, or construction, Austin provides a fertile ground for professional growth. With its vibrant economy and rich cultural tapestry, Austin is not just a place to work; it’s a place to thrive and excel.