Understanding the Job Market: Find High-Growth, High-Wage Careers Built to Last
Learn which careers offer long-term growth, job security, and competitive salaries in today's changing economy. This comprehensive guide helps students make informed decisions by understanding labor market trends, fastest-growing occupations, highest-paying jobs, and education requirements—so you can choose a career path with confidence and plan for lasting success.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
Where to Find Reliable Career Data
All statistics on this page come from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), which provides free, public access to Texas-specific labor market data. Here's where you can find this information yourself:
How to Research Any Career's Data in Texas
Follow this 4-step process to find reliable Texas career statistics:
- Texas Employment Projections: Visit Texas Wages Projections for Texas job growth rates, annual openings, and 2022-2032 forecasts
- Texas Wage Data by Region: Check Texas Wages - MSA Wages for median salaries by occupation and metropolitan area across Texas
- Workforce Development Area Wages: Use Texas Wages - WDA Wages for regional wage data by workforce development area
- Labor Market Information: Explore TWC Job Seeker Supply Reports for comprehensive Texas employment data and trends
Pro Tip: All of these resources are completely free and maintained by the Texas Workforce Commission. Focus on Texas-specific data for the most accurate local career planning!
Job vs. Career: Understanding the Key Differences
What is a Job?
A job is short-term work that helps you earn money and gain experience. Jobs are often:
- Focused on immediate income
- May not require specialized training
- Limited advancement opportunities
- Temporary or transitional
Examples: Retail cashier, restaurant server, delivery driver
What is a Career?
A career is a long-term path with growth, development, and purpose. Careers typically offer:
- Professional growth and skill development
- Increasing responsibility and income over time
- Clear advancement pathways
- Long-term stability and benefits
Examples: Registered nurse, software developer, marketing manager
The Bottom Line: Jobs help you earn money today. Careers help you build a future. Both have value—but understanding the difference helps you plan intentionally.
Understanding Labor Market Information and Career Outlook
What is Labor Market Information?
Labor market information provides data about employment trends, job growth projections, salary ranges, and educational requirements for specific careers. The Texas Workforce Commission publishes comprehensive career outlook data that helps students understand which careers offer strong opportunities and competitive wages in Texas.
Why It Matters for Your Future
Career planning grounded in Texas labor market data reduces the risk of pursuing careers with limited job opportunities or stagnant wages in your state. Understanding Texas job market trends early in high school or college allows students to align education and training with occupations that offer long-term stability and growth in the local economy.
What Job Market Trends Tell Us
Job market trends reveal which industries are expanding, which occupations face worker shortages, and where technological changes create new opportunities.
Note: Some traditional roles face automation or declining demand—research is essential!
Top Growing Industries by Sector
Data Source: Texas Wages - Occupational Employment Projections 2022-2032
Key Labor Market Resources: Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Wages Projections, MSA Wages, WDA Wages, and Job Seeker Supply Reports provide free access to comprehensive Texas career data.
Fastest Growing Jobs and Emerging Career Opportunities
Fastest growing jobs in Texas represent careers with the highest projected percentage increase in employment over the next decade. These occupations typically emerge from technological innovation, demographic shifts, or policy changes that create new workforce needs in the state.
Growth rate alone does not determine career quality. A small occupation growing rapidly may create fewer total job openings than a large occupation growing moderately. Texas job seekers should consider both growth rate and total projected openings when evaluating opportunities.
Top Fastest Growing Occupations
Healthcare occupations dominate fastest growing jobs in Texas due to aging population demographics, increased healthcare access, and chronic disease management needs. Many healthcare careers offer multiple entry points from certificate programs through doctoral degrees.
Source: Texas Wages Projections | Wage: Texas Wages MSA
Source: Texas Wages Projections | Wage: Texas Wages MSA
Source: Texas Wages Projections | Wage: Texas Wages MSA
Source: Texas Wages Projections | Wage: Texas Wages MSA
Technology careers continue rapid growth in Texas driven by digital transformation, cybersecurity threats, artificial intelligence adoption, and data analytics needs across all industries. Major Texas tech hubs in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio offer competitive salaries and remote work flexibility.
Source: Texas Wages Projections | Wage: Texas Wages MSA
Source: Texas Wages Projections | Wage: Texas Wages MSA
Source: Texas Wages Projections | Wage: Texas Wages MSA
Source: Texas Wages Projections | Wage: Texas Wages MSA
Green economy careers grow as renewable energy adoption accelerates, sustainability regulations expand, and climate adaptation becomes essential. These careers often combine technical skills with environmental science knowledge.
Service sector growth reflects increased demand for mental health support, financial planning expertise, and specialized personal services as population demographics shift and discretionary income increases.
Highest Paying Jobs and Salary Expectations
Highest paying jobs typically require advanced education, specialized training, or significant experience. Understanding salary expectations helps students make informed decisions about educational investments and career pathways that align with financial goals. Review salary data from National Compensation Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis for accurate wage information.
High-Paying Careers Without Four-Year Degrees in Texas
Many skilled trades and technical careers in Texas offer competitive salaries without requiring four-year degrees. These careers typically involve apprenticeships, technical certificates, or associate degrees combined with on-the-job experience.
Source: Texas Wages MSA | Growth: Texas Wages Projections
Source: Texas Wages MSA | Growth: Texas Wages Projections
Source: Texas Wages MSA | Growth: Texas Wages Projections
Source: Texas Wages MSA | Growth: Texas Wages Projections
Source: Texas Wages MSA | Growth: Texas Wages Projections
Most New Jobs and Job Opening Projections
Most new jobs measures the total number of new positions expected to be created in an occupation over the next decade. This metric differs from fastest growing jobs because large occupations may create more total openings even with moderate growth rates.
Occupations Creating the Most Job Openings in Texas (Annual Average 2022-2032)
Data Source: Texas Wages - Occupational Employment Projections 2022-2032
Careers creating the most jobs span multiple skill levels and education requirements. While some require minimal training, others demand specialized degrees and credentials. Job seekers should consider both entry barriers and long-term earning potential when evaluating opportunities.
Field of Degree and Education Requirements
Field of degree directly impacts career access, earning potential, and job market competitiveness. Understanding which college majors lead to specific careers helps students make informed decisions about educational pathways and return on investment for degree programs.
Some careers accept degrees from multiple fields while others require specific majors, professional programs, or graduate degrees. Researching education requirements early in high school allows students to plan appropriate coursework and understand total time and cost investments.
Education Data Sources: BLS Field of Degree Information, NCES College Navigator, and College Scorecard provide comprehensive degree program data, typical career outcomes, and educational requirements by occupation.
High-Demand Degree Fields
Computer Science and Information Technology degrees lead to software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and IT management careers with strong starting salaries and abundant job opportunities. Texas technology hubs in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio offer robust markets for technology graduates.
Engineering programs including mechanical, electrical, civil, petroleum, and chemical engineering prepare graduates for high-paying technical careers in manufacturing, energy, construction, and aerospace. Texas engineering graduates benefit from strong oil and gas, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Mathematics and Statistics degrees support careers in data science, actuarial science, financial analysis, and operations research. These flexible degrees open opportunities across finance, insurance, technology, and government sectors.
STEM Career Outlook: STEM occupations are projected to grow faster than average through 2032, with median wages significantly higher than non-STEM careers. Many STEM careers offer remote work options and international opportunities.
Nursing degrees (ADN, BSN, MSN) lead to registered nurse positions with excellent job security and opportunities for specialization in emergency care, pediatrics, oncology, surgery, and leadership. Travel nursing and contract positions offer premium pay and geographic flexibility.
Allied Health programs including respiratory therapy, radiologic technology, dental hygiene, and physical therapy assistant prepare graduates for in-demand healthcare support roles with associate degree requirements and strong starting salaries.
Health Administration and Public Health degrees prepare graduates for management, policy, and community health roles without direct patient care responsibilities. These careers often require master's degrees but offer work-life balance and diverse employment settings.
Pre-Professional Programs prepare students for medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, and physician assistant programs through rigorous science coursework and clinical experience prerequisites.
Accounting and Finance degrees lead to careers in public accounting, corporate finance, financial planning, and investment management. CPA licensure significantly increases earning potential and career advancement opportunities in accounting.
Management and Marketing programs prepare graduates for leadership roles, sales management, marketing analytics, and business development across all industries. Many management careers require starting in entry or mid-level positions before advancing to leadership.
Supply Chain and Logistics degrees align with Texas strengths in distribution, transportation, and international trade. These careers offer strong salaries and growth opportunities as global commerce expands.
Business Analytics and Information Systems combine business knowledge with technical skills, preparing graduates for data-driven decision-making roles that command premium salaries.
Teacher Certification Programs prepare educators for elementary, secondary, and special education roles. Texas teacher shortages create strong demand in STEM subjects, special education, bilingual education, and rural areas. Starting salaries vary by district but include pension benefits and healthcare.
Social Work and Counseling degrees lead to mental health counseling, school counseling, substance abuse treatment, and social services roles. These careers often require master's degrees and state licensure but offer meaningful impact on communities.
Criminal Justice and Public Administration programs prepare graduates for law enforcement, corrections, probation services, emergency management, and government administration. Many positions require civil service exams or additional training academies.
Career Exploration Tools and Resources
Effective career development requires using multiple resources to research occupations, compare options, and understand realistic expectations for education, salary, and work environment. High-quality career exploration tools provide data-driven information that supports confident decision-making.
Essential Career Planning Resources
Occupation Finder
Search careers by keyword, industry, or education level. Filter results by salary range, growth projections, and work environment preferences. Available through Texas Workforce Commission and O*NET OnLine.
Texas Reality Check
Interactive tool helps students understand the relationship between lifestyle choices, career salaries, and education requirements. Students create budgets and explore careers that support desired living standards.
Career Outlook Database
Access detailed projections for job growth, wages, education requirements, and work activities for hundreds of occupations. Compare multiple careers side-by-side to evaluate trade-offs. Visit Projections Central for state-by-state data.
Industry Career Pathways
Explore careers organized by industry clusters including healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, energy, hospitality, and education. Understand career progression within industries. CareerOneStop and America's Career InfoNet offer comprehensive pathway tools.
Labor Market Information
Regional employment data shows which careers are in high demand in specific Texas regions. Use local labor market information to identify opportunities in your area or regions where you plan to work. Access data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas Wages, and Texas Workforce Commission.
Compare Occupations Tool
Select up to five careers and view side-by-side comparisons of education requirements, median salaries, job outlook, typical work activities, and advancement opportunities.
Career Research Checklist: For each career you research, identify education requirements, typical entry paths, salary progression, advancement opportunities, work environment characteristics, required skills and abilities, job outlook projections, and professional development expectations. Utilize Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, and United States Census Bureau data for comprehensive research.
Official Labor Market Resources
These resources provide free, authoritative data on employment trends, career information, and labor market statistics. All resources are publicly accessible and regularly updated.
Federal Student Aid - Career Search Tool
Comprehensive career exploration tool from the U.S. Department of Education helping students connect education choices with career opportunities. Explore career clusters, salary expectations, and required education levels.
Visit Federal Student Aid Career SearchTexas Career Check - Compare Occupations
Side-by-side comparison tool for evaluating multiple careers simultaneously. Compare Texas-specific salary data, education requirements, job outlook, and work activities for up to five occupations at once.
Visit Texas Career Check Comparison ToolU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Wage Data
Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages provides comprehensive salary data by occupation, industry, and geographic location. Access national employment and wage estimates for detailed career salary research.
Visit BLS Wage Data PortalTRACER - Texas Labor Market Information
Texas Workforce Commission's interactive labor market and career information system. Research Texas employment trends, regional wage data, industry projections, and occupation-specific information for informed career planning.
Visit TRACER Labor Market SystemUnited States Census Bureau
Official population and demographic data including employment statistics, educational attainment, income levels, and workforce characteristics. Essential for understanding population trends that impact career opportunities.
Visit U.S. Census BureauBLS Career Outlook Magazine
Bureau of Labor Statistics publication featuring career articles, salary data, education requirements, and job market analysis. Includes special reports on emerging careers, industry trends, and career planning strategies for students.
Visit BLS Career OutlookBLS Field of Degree Information
Comprehensive guide connecting college majors to career outcomes. Research which degrees lead to specific occupations, compare earnings by field of study, and understand typical career paths for different majors.
Visit BLS Field of Degree GuideBLS Most New Jobs Data
National data on occupations projected to create the most job openings through 2032. Understand which careers offer the greatest number of opportunities based on both job growth and replacement needs from retirements.
Visit BLS Most New JobsPro Tip: Bookmark these official government resources for reliable, up-to-date career information. Start with Texas Career Check to compare occupations, then use BLS data for detailed salary research, and TRACER for Texas-specific employment trends. Cross-reference multiple sources to get the most complete picture of any career path.
Job Search Preparation and Interview Success
Preparing for job interviews requires understanding employer expectations, practicing common questions, presenting professionally, and managing interview anxiety. Strong interview performance distinguishes qualified candidates and leads to job offers.
What to Expect in Job Interviews
Most entry-level interviews include behavioral questions about past experiences, situational questions about how you would handle scenarios, and skills-based questions testing technical knowledge. Employers evaluate communication skills, problem-solving abilities, cultural fit, and motivation alongside qualifications.
Common Interview Questions and How to Answer
"Tell me about yourself" - Provide a brief professional summary highlighting education, relevant experience, and career interests. Keep response to 1-2 minutes focusing on qualifications relevant to the position.
Behavioral Questions
"Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you resolved it" - Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses. Choose examples that demonstrate problem-solving, teamwork, or leadership relevant to the job.
Skills-Based Questions
"What skills do you bring to this position?" - Connect specific skills from coursework, internships, or extracurriculars to job requirements. Provide concrete examples of applying these skills successfully.
Questions About the Company
"Why do you want to work here?" - Research the company's mission, values, and recent news. Explain how the position aligns with career goals and why company culture appeals to you.
How to Dress for Job Interviews
Professional appearance creates positive first impressions and demonstrates respect for the opportunity. Interview attire should match or slightly exceed the company's everyday dress code when possible.
How to Prepare for Interviews and Stay Calm
Preparation reduces anxiety and builds confidence. Research the company, review the job description, prepare questions to ask interviewers, and practice responses to common questions. Gain practical experience through internships and apprenticeships before applying for full-time positions. Arrive 10-15 minutes early, bring extra resume copies, and prepare professional references.
- Research the company's mission, products, services, and recent news
- Practice answering common questions aloud, not just mentally
- Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions to ask interviewers about the role and company
- Review your resume and be ready to discuss all listed experiences
- Plan your route and arrival time to avoid stress from being late
- Prepare professional clothing the night before the interview
- Bring notepad, pen, extra resumes, and list of references
- Turn off phone notifications and focus fully on the conversation
Frequently Asked Questions About Job Market Trends and Career Planning
5 Steps You Can Take Right Now to Start Building Your Career
Take a Free Career Interest Assessment
Discover which career fields align with your personality, strengths, and values. Try the O*NET Interest Profiler or Texas Reality Check.
Research 3-5 Careers That Interest You
Look up salary ranges, education requirements, daily tasks, and job outlook using the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Talk to People Who Work in Those Fields
Ask family members, teachers, or community members if they know professionals you can interview. Ask about their daily work, education path, and career advice.
Get Hands-On Experience Through Internships or Volunteering
Look for summer internships, job shadowing opportunities, or volunteer positions that let you test out a career field before committing.
Plan Your Education Path Based on Career Goals
Once you've identified potential careers, research what education or training you'll need. Start taking relevant courses in high school or exploring college programs that align with your goals.
Ready to Explore Your Career Path?
Get personalized career planning support to navigate job market trends, identify high-demand careers, and build a strategic pathway aligned with your interests and goals. Schedule a planning session to explore occupations, understand education requirements, and prepare for career success.