IT salaries in Texas
Texas has become a thriving hub for information technology, offering strong career prospects and competitive pay for IT professionals. Nicknames like "Silicon Hills" for Austin and "Silicon Prairie" for the Dallas–Fort Worth area highlight just how deeply the tech industry has taken root in the state. From these major innovation centers to Houston's corporate and healthcare sectors, demand for skilled IT workers continues to rise. IT managers often earn salaries well above the state's median wage, while roles such as systems analysts, network administrators and software developers also see steady growth and solid compensation. With its expanding tech industry and business-friendly climate, Texas provides fertile ground for IT professionals seeking both opportunity and financial reward.
Quick stats on IT manager salaries in Texas
There are about 74,890 computer and information systems managers in Texas according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the second most in the country behind only California. The median hourly wage for this group is $80 and the projected job growth rate is 15.2% through the next decade.
There are numerous opportunities for IT managers in Texas within traditional computer technology companies and non-tech industries alike:
- Information and computer technology firms: Texas is home to over 17,600 tech companies statewide, employing more than 200,000 workers in roles such as software development, cyber security, systems design and more.
- R&D, engineering and corporate tech functions: Particularly in Houston, many IT professionals are embedded within non-tech industries. For instance, roles in research, testing and engineering services—often located in energy, healthcare and logistics firms—represent a large portion of the region's tech workforce.
- Computer and semiconductor manufacturing: While once a major employer, the Austin area has seen declines in IT and analytical instrument manufacturing—including semiconductor efforts—though the region continues to thrive in emerging tech fields such as cloud services, enterprise software, video game development and life sciences.
Other common IT jobs in Texas include:
- Software developers design, build and maintain computer applications or systems that meet user and business needs. According to the BLS, there are about 151,460 software developers in Texas.
- Computer support specialists assist users and organizations by troubleshooting technical issues and maintaining computer systems. The BLS reports that there are about 61,290 computer user support specialists in Texas.
- Computer systems analysts evaluate an organization's IT systems and processes to recommend and implement efficient solutions. About 48,150 computer systems analysts work in Texas.
- Network and computer systems administrators manage and support an organization's computer networks, ensuring reliable performance and security. There are about 34,640 network and computer systems administrators in Texas.
- Computer network architects design and implement complex communication networks, such as intranets, wide area networks and cloud infrastructure. Texas employs about 16,160 computer network architects.
Top IT employers in Texas
A few of the largest employers of IT professionals in the state include:
- Dell Technologies, Round Rock, TX:
- A major player in computer hardware, software and IT services, employing roughly 11,500–13,000 people in Texas.
- Texas Instruments, Dallas, TX:
- A global semiconductor manufacturer actively expanding operations in Texas and headquartered in Dallas.
- AT&T Inc., Dallas, TX:
- A telecommunications and tech services giant, deeply invested in IT talent recruitment and infrastructure modernization.
- Oracle, Austin, TX:
- Enterprise database, cloud, and software specialist that relocated its headquarters from California to Austin in 2020.
- University of Texas, multiple campuses:
- The University of Texas System—the largest public university system in Texas—employs over 135,000 individuals across administrative staff, faculty, researchers and support, many in IT roles.
- Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX:
- The Texas Medical Center (the largest medical complex in the world) dominates Houston's job market with over 106,000 employees, many of whom rely on IT for healthcare systems and operations.
IT salaries in Texas by job title
Salaries for Texas IT roles tend fall right around the national median. Always keep in mind that variables such as job title, education level, location, specialty certifications and more can influence individual salaries. Check out how the median annual salary for roles in Texas compares to the nation:
| Job title | TX median annual salary | National median annual salary |
| Computer and information systems managers | $167,320 | $171,200 |
| Software developers | $130,500 | $133,080 |
| Computer user support specialists | $55,320 | $60,340 |
| Computer systems analysts | $104,970 | $103,790 |
| Network and computer systems admins | $94,170 | $96,800 |
| Computer network architects | $129,110 | $130,390 |
Median computer and information systems manager salary in Texas
The median annual salary for computer and information systems managers in Texas is $206,420 according to data from the BLS. Check out how salaries vary depending on where you live in Texas in the table below. Keep in mind that figures marked "N/A" mean that the wage is equal to or greater than $115.00 per hour or $239,200 per year.
10%$104,270
25%$134,790
50%$167,320Median
75%$207,620
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$80
Job growth15.2%
Total Employment74,890
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $173,300 | $115,500 | N/A |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $169,860 | $109,030 | N/A |
| Midland, TX | $169,780 | $101,500 | N/A |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $167,630 | $103,600 | N/A |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $160,900 | $99,200 | $232,270 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $156,270 | $89,990 | $219,970 |
| Amarillo, TX | $143,250 | $78,430 | $203,930 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $143,000 | $84,870 | $209,890 |
| Odessa, TX | $142,350 | $89,170 | $227,790 |
| Tyler, TX | $142,040 | $89,110 | $220,960 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Texas vs. national IT salaries and employment
To get a sense of how Texas IT salaries stack up to the nation, check out the top-paying metropolitan areas for computer and information systems managers nationwide:
Next, take a look at which metro areas have the most IT managers in the country:
Cost of living in Texas
Texas is often considered an affordable place to live compared to many other large U.S. states, particularly coastal hubs like California or New York. The state's overall cost of living generally falls below the national average, with housing being one of the biggest advantages—home prices and rental costs in many Texas cities remain relatively moderate despite rapid population growth. According to RentCafe, the cost of housing is about 16% lower than the national average. Texas also has no state income tax, which can make salaries stretch further for professionals, including those in high-demand fields like IT.
That said, affordability can vary widely depending on location. Major metropolitan areas such as Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston are experiencing rising housing costs and higher expenses tied to growth and demand, while smaller cities and rural areas offer more budget-friendly living. Utilities, transportation and food costs are close to national norms, though property taxes and insurance rates can be higher than in some states. Overall, Texas offers a balance of strong job opportunities and a cost of living that helps make professional salaries more impactful.
The overall cost of living index in Texas is 92.7 according to the World Population Review, meaning that the state has a cost of living which is 7.3% lower than the national average. Check out some of the most populous cities in Texas and how their cost of living compares to the national average, according to data from RentCafe:
| Texas city | Cost of living % compared to national average |
|---|---|
| Houston | 6% lower |
| San Antonio | 9% lower |
| Dallas | 2% higher |
| Fort Worth | 4% lower |
| Austin | 3% lower |
Resources for IT professionals in Texas
Professional associations and industry groups offer IT professionals important resources and support throughout their careers. By joining, members can tap into opportunities like exclusive networking events, mentorship connections and access to publications and forums that share key industry knowledge. Below are several organizations that may be especially useful for IT professionals in Texas.
Texas Association of Governmental Information Technology Managers (TAGITM): Dedicated to professionals in government IT, TAGITM provides a forum for sharing ideas, solving challenges and collaborating on public sector IT initiatives.
Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST): Although broader in scope—spanning medicine, engineering, science, and tech—TAMEST includes influential technology leaders and researchers working within Texas, offering collegial collaboration and innovation-focused opportunities
Knowbility: Focuses on advancing accessible information technology for people with disabilities through training, competitions like the Accessibility Internet Rally, and advocacy—especially great for IT professionals interested in inclusive design.
Texas CIO: Aimed at IT leaders across the state, this group hosts regular Breakfast Club networking events in cities like Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas, promoting peer-to-peer idea exchange and collaboration.
Austin Technology Council (ATC): Since 1992, ATC has served as the largest tech industry association in Central Texas, uniting businesses, professionals and innovators through insights, resources and advocacy.
Explore IT salary guides for select states
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- New Jersey
- Texas
- Washington
Parting words
Overall, Texas offers IT professionals an exciting combination of strong salary potential and steady job growth, making it one of the most promising states for building a tech career. With opportunities ranging from entry-level support roles to high-paying management and specialized positions, IT workers can often expect compensation that stretches further thanks to the state's favorable cost of living and lack of income tax. Add to that the continued expansion of tech hubs like Austin's "Silicon Hills" and Dallas–Fort Worth's "Silicon Prairie," and it's clear that Texas not only provides competitive wages but also a thriving employment landscape where IT talent is in high demand and well rewarded.
Many IT careers call for at least a bachelor's degree, while more advanced roles often look for candidates with graduate-level education. Earning a degree equips professionals with essential technical expertise, analytical skills, and the ability to solve complex problems, while also allowing them to focus on specialties such as cyber security, data analytics, or software development. Beyond technical knowledge, higher education can pave the way for higher salaries, leadership opportunities, and long-term career growth in an increasingly competitive industry.
This IT salary guide for Texas aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Written and reported by:
Cyber Security Education Staff