10 Major Texas Industries to Consider if You’re Working in or Moving to the Lone Star State

Texas is a land of opportunity with a robust economy built on diverse industries. From energy to healthcare and technology, major industries in Texas power the state’s economy and attract countless new residents. For those considering moving to the Lone Star State, these thriving industries present excellent career prospects and economic stability. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Austin or apartments in Dallas, understanding the industries driving Texas is essential. Below, we’ll explore ten major sectors and why they make Texas an excellent place to live and work.

Texas at a glance: Home prices, income, and employment

Top employers in Texas

1. Walmart: 175,000 employees
2. The University of Texas System: 104,000 employees
3. Amazon: 89,000 employees
4. Home Depot: 40,000 employees
5. Target: 39,000 employees

10 major industries in Texas

1. Gasoline and petroleum

Major Companies: Motiva Enterprises (Houston), Sunoco LP (Dallas), Phillips 66 (Houston)

Texas leads the U.S. in gasoline and petroleum wholesaling, thanks to its extensive infrastructure. Major employers like Motiva Enterprises and Sunoco LP provide jobs in distribution, logistics, and supply chain management. Workers in this field play critical roles in ensuring gasoline and oil reach refineries and gas stations across the state. Texas’s central location makes it a hub for wholesale petroleum trade, employing over 50,000 people statewide. Residents benefit from living in cities like Houston, where these companies operate, offering stability and competitive salaries.

Thinking about moving to Texas for a job in gasoline and petroleum? 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 U.S. state, driving the oil drilling and gas extraction industry. Companies like ExxonMobil and Pioneer Natural Resources hire engineers, geologists, and field operators for exploration and production. This sector accounts for over 400,000 jobs statewide, offering significant opportunities for skilled workers. Whether you’re living in energy-focused cities like Midland or Houston, the industry’s stability makes Texas a prime destination for relocation

Thinking about moving to Texas for a job in oil drilling? Consider homes for sale in Houston or Irving

3. Petroleum refining

Major Companies: Valero Energy Corporation (San Antonio), Marathon Petroleum (locations in Texas), Flint Hills Resources (locations in Texas)

Petroleum refining in Texas processes crude oil into gasoline, diesel, and other products. Valero Energy Corporation, a major employer, offers jobs in refinery operations, environmental compliance, and engineering. This sector contributes billions to the state’s GDP, with Houston and Corpus Christi serving as central refining hubs. Relocating to Texas means proximity to well-paying jobs in an industry essential to global energy supply chains.

Thinking about moving to Texas for a job in petroleum refining? Consider homes for sale in San Antonio or New Braunfels

4. Gasoline and petroleum bulk stations

Major 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 provide opportunities in storage facility operations, transportation, and maintenance. This sector employs skilled workers in Houston and surrounding areas, ensuring the efficient movement of fuel across the state. For residents, this industry supports local economies and offers career advancement opportunities.

Thinking about moving to Texas for a job in petroleum refining? Consider homes for sale in Houston or Sugar Land

5. Electronic parts and equipment

Major Companies: Mouser Electronics (Mansfield), TTI Inc. (Fort Worth), Texas Instruments (Dallas)

Texas is a leader in electronic parts wholesaling, with major hubs in Dallas and Fort Worth. Employers like Mouser Electronics and Texas Instruments offer jobs in logistics, sales, and technical support. This growing sector benefits from the state’s focus on innovation and technology. Moving to Texas means access to employment in a high-tech field and proximity to world-class companies driving technological advancements.

Thinking about moving to Texas for a job in electronic parts and equipment? Consider homes for sale in Dallas or Fort Worth

6. New car dealers

Major Companies: Sewell Automotive Companies (Dallas), Group 1 Automotive (Houston), AutoNation Texas (various locations)

Texas boasts one of the largest automotive markets in the U.S., supported by new car dealerships. Companies like Sewell Automotive hire 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 seeking a job in the state, moving to Texas offers opportunities in a thriving automotive market.

Thinking about moving to Texas for a job in the automotive industry? Consider homes for sale in Dallas or Houston

7. Automobile wholesaling

Major Companies: Cars.com (locations in Texas), Manheim Auto Auction (locations in Texas), Copart Inc. (Dallas)

Automobile wholesaling supports the movement of vehicles between manufacturers and dealerships. Companies like Manheim Auto Auction employ logistics professionals, auction coordinators, and sales staff. Dallas is a major hub for this industry, offering career opportunities in transportation and wholesale management. With Texas’s vast road network and population growth, the auto industry is a strong pillar of the economy.

Thinking about moving to Texas for a job in automobile wholesaling? Consider homes for sale in Dallas or Plano

8. Healthcare

Major Companies: Baylor Scott & White Health (Dallas), HCA Healthcare (offices in Texas), Texas Health Resources (Arlington)

Healthcare is a vital industry in Texas, employing almost 2 million people. Baylor Scott & White Health and Texas Health Resources hire nurses, physicians, and administrative staff statewide. Cities like Dallas and Houston offer state-of-the-art facilities and career advancement opportunities. Moving to Texas means access to top healthcare systems and a chance to join an industry focused on improving lives.

Thinking about moving to Texas for a job in healthcare? Consider homes for sale in Dallas or Arlington

9. Real estate loans

Major Companies: Frost Bank (San Antonio), PrimeLending (Dallas), Movement Mortgage (locations statewide)

The booming housing market in Texas has created a thriving real estate loans sector. Companies like Frost Bank and PrimeLending hire loan officers, underwriters, and financial analysts. Homebuyers benefit from competitive mortgage options, making cities like Austin and San Antonio appealing destinations. Whether you’re buying or renting, this industry supports affordable housing and economic growth.

Thinking about moving to Texas for a job in healthcare? Consider homes for sale in Dallas or San Antonio

10. Commercial banking

Major Companies: JPMorgan Chase (locations in Texas), Bank of America (locations in Texas), Comerica Bank (Dallas)

Texas’s commercial banking sector serves individuals and businesses with financial services. Comerica Bank, headquartered in Dallas, employs bankers, analysts, and customer service professionals. The state’s strong economy attracts major banking institutions, providing stability for homebuyers and renters. For those moving to Texas, this industry offers financial support and access to diverse career opportunities.

Thinking about moving to Texas for a job in healthcare? Consider homes for sale in Dallas or Garland