Texas is a land of opportunity with a strong economy built on diverse industries. From energy to health care to technology, Texas’ major industries support the state’s economy and attract countless new residents. For those considering moving to the Lone Star State, these thriving industries offer great career prospects and financial stability. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Austin or apartments in Dallas, understanding the industries that drive Texas is essential. Below, we explore 10 major sectors and why they make Texas a great place to live and work.
Texas Overview: Home Prices, Income, and Employment
Top Employers in Texas
Walmart: 175,000 employees University of Texas System: 104,000 employees Amazon: 89,000 employees Home Depot: 40,000 employees Goal: 39,000 employees
Texas’ 10 Major Industries
1. Gasoline and oil
Key Companies: Motiva Enterprises (Houston), Sunoco LP (Dallas), Phillips 66 (Houston)
Thanks to its extensive infrastructure, Texas leads the United States in wholesale gasoline and oil trade. Large employers such as Motiva Enterprises and Sunoco LP offer jobs in distribution, logistics, and supply chain management. Workers in this sector play a critical role in ensuring that gasoline and oil reach refineries and gas stations across the state. Texas’ central location makes it a center for wholesale oil trading, with more than 50,000 employees working throughout the state. Residents benefit from living in a city like Houston where these companies operate and offer stability and competitive salaries.
Considering moving to Texas for a job in the gasoline and oil industry? Consider homes for sale in Houston or Dallas.
2. Oil drilling and gas extraction
Major companies: ExxonMobil (Spring), Chevron (Houston), Pioneer Natural Resources (Irving)
Texas produces more oil and natural gas than any other state in the United States and is a leading oil drilling and gas extraction industry. Companies like ExxonMobil and Pioneer Natural Resources employ engineers, geologists, and field operators for exploration and production. The sector accounts for more than 400,000 jobs across the state and provides significant opportunities for skilled workers. Even if you live in an energy-centric city like Midland or Houston, Texas’ stable energy industry makes it a great place to move.
Considering moving to Texas for an oil drilling job? Consider selling a home in Houston or Irving
3. Oil refining
Key Companies: Valero Energy Corporation (San Antonio), Marathon Petroleum (Texas location), Flint Hills Resources (Texas location)
Oil refineries in Texas process crude oil into gasoline, diesel, and other products. A major employer, Valero Energy Corporation, offers jobs in refinery operations, environmental compliance, and engineering. The sector contributes billions of dollars to the state’s GDP, with Houston and Corpus Christi serving as central hubs for refining. Moving to Texas means being close to good-paying jobs in an industry essential to the global energy supply chain.
Considering moving to Texas for a job in oil refining? Consider selling a home in San Antonio or New Braunfels
4. Gasoline and oil bulk stations
Key companies: Kinder Morgan, Buckeye Partners, Enterprise Products (all based in Houston)
Bulk stations in Texas store and distribute petroleum products on a large scale. Companies like Kinder Morgan and Buckeye Partners offer storage facility operations, transportation, and maintenance opportunities. The division employs skilled workers in Houston and the surrounding area to ensure efficient transportation of fuel throughout the state. For residents, this industry supports the local economy and provides career advancement opportunities.
Considering moving to Texas for a job in oil refining? Consider selling a home in Houston or Sugar Land
5. Electronic components and equipment
Key Companies: Mouser Electronics (Mansfield), TTI Inc. (Fort Worth), Texas Instruments (Dallas)
Texas is a leader in the electronic parts wholesale industry, with major locations in Dallas and Fort Worth. Employers like Mouser Electronics and Texas Instruments offer jobs in logistics, sales, and technical support. This growing sector is benefiting from the state’s focus on innovation and technology. Moving to Texas means access to high-tech jobs and proximity to world-class companies that drive technological advancement.
Considering moving to Texas for a job in electronic components and equipment? Consider selling your home in Dallas or Fort Worth
6. New car dealership
Major companies: Sewell Automotive Companies (Dallas), Group 1 Automotive (Houston), AutoNation Texas (various locations)
Texas boasts one of the largest auto markets in the United States, supported by new car dealers. Companies like Sewell Automotive employ sales representatives, service technicians, and administrative staff. This industry thrives in urban centers like Dallas and Houston, where residents benefit from strong local economies. If you’re looking for work within the state, moving to Texas offers opportunities in the growing auto market.
Considering moving to Texas for a job in the auto industry? Consider selling your home in Dallas or Houston
7. Automobile wholesale business
Key Companies: Cars.com (based in Texas), Manheim Auto Auction (based in Texas), Copart Inc. (Dallas)
Auto wholesalers support the movement of cars between manufacturers and dealers. Companies like Manheim Auto Auction employ logistics specialists, auction coordinators, and sales staff. Dallas is a major hub for this industry, offering career opportunities in transportation and wholesale management. Texas’ extensive road system and growing population make the automobile industry a strong pillar of the economy.
Are you considering moving to Texas for a job in the automotive wholesale industry? Consider selling your home in Dallas or Plano
8. Healthcare
Key companies: Baylor Scott & White Health (Dallas), HCA Healthcare (Texas office), Texas Health Resources (Arlington)
Health care is an important industry in Texas, employing approximately 2 million people. Baylor Scott & White Health and Texas Health Resources employ nurses, physicians and administrative staff across the state. Cities like Dallas and Houston offer state-of-the-art facilities and career advancement opportunities. Moving to Texas means access to the best healthcare system and the chance to join an industry focused on improving lives.
Considering moving to Texas to work in the healthcare industry? Consider selling your home in Dallas or Arlington
9. Real estate loan
Key Companies: Frost Bank (San Antonio), PrimeLending (Dallas), Movement Mortgage (in-state locations)
Due to the booming Texas housing market, the real estate loan sector is also booming. Companies like Frost Bank and PrimeLending employ loan officers, underwriters, and financial analysts. Homebuyers benefit from competitive mortgage options, making cities like Austin and San Antonio attractive destinations. Whether you buy or rent, this industry supports affordable housing and economic growth.
Considering moving to Texas to work in the healthcare industry? Consider selling your home in Dallas or San Antonio
10. Commercial banking
Major companies: JPMorgan Chase (based in Texas), Bank of America (based in Texas), Comerica Bank (Dallas)
Texas’ commercial banking sector provides financial services to individuals and businesses. Comerica Bank is headquartered in Dallas and employs bankers, analysts, and customer service professionals. The state’s strong economy has attracted large banking institutions, providing stability for home buyers and renters. For those moving to Texas, this industry provides financial support and access to diverse career opportunities.
Considering moving to Texas to work in the healthcare industry? Consider homes for sale in Dallas or Garland
