Top 10 Highest-Paying Licensed Careers in Texas (2026)
March 3, 2026 · HowToGetLicensed Team
Texas is one of the largest job markets in the country, and licensed professionals are in high demand. We compared all 49 licensed professions available in Texas to find the highest-paying career paths. Here are the top 10 by national median salary, with Texas-specific costs and requirements.
Top 10 at a Glance
| # | Profession | Median Salary | Education | Cost in TX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot | $171,210/yr | 80 hrs | $12,000 |
| 2 | Physical Therapist | $99,710/yr | 4,500 hrs | $85,000 |
| 3 | Occupational Therapist | $96,370/yr | 3,500 hrs | $75,000 |
| 4 | Architect | $93,310/yr | 4,000 hrs | $85,000 |
| 5 | Speech Pathologist | $89,290/yr | 2,400 hrs | $60,000 |
| 6 | Audiologist | $87,740/yr | 5,000 hrs | $80,000 |
| 7 | Dental Hygienist | $87,530/yr | 2,200 hrs | $28,000 |
| 8 | Nursing | $86,070/yr | 1,500 hrs | $20,000 |
| 9 | Cpa | $79,880/yr | 150 hrs | $2,650 |
| 10 | Respiratory Therapist | $77,960/yr | 2,200 hrs | $25,000 |
Detailed Breakdown
1. Pilot
Get your pilot license in Texas with 80 hours of education and approximately $12,000 in total costs. Complete Texas guide →
2. Physical Therapist
Get your physical therapist license in Texas with 4,500 hours of education and approximately $85,000 in total costs. Complete Texas guide →
3. Occupational Therapist
Get your occupational therapist license in Texas with 3,500 hours of education and approximately $75,000 in total costs. Complete Texas guide →
4. Architect
Get your architect license in Texas with 4,000 hours of education and approximately $85,000 in total costs. Complete Texas guide →
5. Speech Pathologist
Get your speech pathologist license in Texas with 2,400 hours of education and approximately $60,000 in total costs. Complete Texas guide →
6. Audiologist
Get your audiologist license in Texas with 5,000 hours of education and approximately $80,000 in total costs. Complete Texas guide →
7. Dental Hygienist
Get your dental hygienist license in Texas with 2,200 hours of education and approximately $28,000 in total costs. Complete Texas guide →
8. Nursing
Get your nursing license in Texas with 1,500 hours of education and approximately $20,000 in total costs. Complete Texas guide →
9. Cpa
Get your cpa license in Texas with 150 hours of education and approximately $2,650 in total costs. Complete Texas guide →
10. Respiratory Therapist
Get your respiratory therapist license in Texas with 2,200 hours of education and approximately $25,000 in total costs. Complete Texas guide →
Quick-Start Licenses in Texas
If you want to start earning fast, these Texas licenses require minimal education and under $1,000 to get started:
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Cost in TX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance Adjuster | $75,020/yr | 40 hrs | $850 |
| Contractor | $74,720/yr | None | $300 |
| Electrician | $61,590/yr | None | $300 |
| Plumber | $61,550/yr | None | $317 |
| Insurance Agent | $59,080/yr | 40 hrs | $475 |
Why Texas?
Texas has no state income tax, a lower cost of living than coastal states, and a booming economy — making it one of the best states for licensed professionals. Many Texas licensing requirements are also moderate compared to states like California or New York.
Browse all licensed professions in Texas on our Texas licensing hub. For a nationwide comparison, see Highest Paying Licensed Professions.