City Town Info

Houston Employment

Employment and Industries in the Houston, Texas Area

Houston is the fourth most populous city in the United States. The Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area is also the seventh largest metropolitan area in the United States. Similar to other large metropolitan areas, the Houston metropolitan area has a tremendous concentration of business and commerce. The Houston metropolitan area is home to nearly fifty Fortune 1000 company headquarters, and Houston ranks third among metropolitan statistical areas in the number of Fortune 500 headquarters, behind New York, and Chicago.

The Globalization and World Cities Study Group & Network (GaWC) ranks certain cities as "Global Cities" (also known as world cities or world-class cities). There are three tiers of ranking, alpha (first-tier), beta (second-tier) and gamma (third tier), based on a cities "tangible effect on global affairs through socioeconomic, cultural, and/or political means" (Wikipedia). Houston is one of eleven U.S. global cities ranked as a "World City". Houston is ranked as a "Gamma World City" by GaWC, on a par with Boston, Dallas, and Washington.

In Houston, the energy industry, based on oil and gas exploration and production, is a major driver of the Houston economy. The Houston area is also the world's leading manufacturing center for oil field equipment. Houston is one of the world's largest centers of petrochemical manufacturing, including synthetic rubber, insecticides, and fertilizers. Other major industries in Houston include:

  • Aeronautics
  • Agriculture
  • Banking and finance
  • Biomedical research
  • Commercial fishing
  • Education
  • Engineering services
  • Health services
  • High-technology (computer, aerospace, environmental, etc.)
  • Manufacturing
  • Professional and business services
  • Shipping (International import and export)
  • Wholesale and retail trade

The Port of Houston, a man-made shipping channel, is first in the United States in international commerce, and is the sixth largest port in the world. Among US ports, it is the busiest port in foreign tonnage and second busiest port in overall tonnage.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Houston ranks eleventh on the list of US cities who receive the most annual funding from the NIH.

Some major companies of note in and around Houston include:

  • A.D. Vision
  • Air Liquide
  • American General
  • Baker Hughes
  • BHP Billiton
  • BMC Software
  • BP
  • The Boeing Company - IDS NASA Systems
  • Brooks Information Technology
  • Centerpoint Energy
  • Citgo
  • ConocoPhillips
  • Continental Airlines
  • Cooper Industries
  • Dominion Exploration and Production
  • Duke Natural Gas Co.
  • Dynegy
  • EGL - Eagle Global Logistics
  • El Paso Corporation (formerly El Paso Energy)
  • Enron
  • Fiesta Mart
  • Foley's
  • Gerland's
  • Halliburton
  • Landry's
  • Lewis Food Town
  • Lyondell Chemical Company
  • Luby's
  • Marathon Oil
  • Men's Wearhouse
  • Pro-Mark Corporation
  • Reliant Energy
  • Service Corporation International
  • Smith International
  • Sysco
  • Swishahouse
  • Unocal 76
  • U.S. Liquids
  • Waste Management, Inc.
  • Weatherford International

Some of the major business organizations in and around Houston include:

The Houston Business Journal, and the Business Section of the Houston Chronicle are excellent sources of information on business in the Houston metropolitan area.

Most Popular Jobs in Houston, Texas Metro Area (2008 data)

Where the Majority of Workers Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Registered nurses41,34065,810$47,030 - 84,69024%56%
2Elementary school teachers, except special education35,72047,440$36,820 - 61,37014%95%
3Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products32,68065,310$28,920 - 112,5408%51%
4Accountants and auditors24,14068,260$38,540 - 104,59018%79%
5Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education20,99050,380$38,270 - 65,3206%96%
6Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education18,00048,380$37,030 - 63,02011%95%
7Civil engineers13,92096,960$55,530 - 145,68018%87%
8Computer systems analysts11,26077,820$42,340 - 120,92029%68%
9Management analysts9,86079,450$24,330 - 138,63022%78%
10Teachers and instructors, all other9,64020,930$13,840 - 31,7509%54%
11Lawyers9,440136,380$57,460 - 11%99%
12Computer programmers9,02080,830$41,860 - 120,2800%73%
13Computer software engineers, applications8,49089,270$57,300 - 127,01045%85%
14Financial managers7,790123,360$64,370 - 13%60%
15Mechanical engineers7,51094,740$49,620 - 147,7104%78%
16Network and computer systems administrators7,17070,630$46,330 - 100,48027%50%
17Financial analysts7,03075,940$41,590 - 118,71034%87%
18Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products6,81077,580$33,430 - 129,28012%51%
19Petroleum engineers6,790136,060$61,520 - 5%80%
20Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents6,51092,360$25,280 - 25%67%
21Computer software engineers, systems software5,87088,450$57,000 - 126,72028%85%
22Engineers, all other5,830101,490$50,700 - 151,7206%82%
23Sales managers5,750123,620$56,520 - 10%69%
24Pharmacists5,210102,530$84,180 - 129,44022%97%
25Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers5,200132,660$66,360 - 22%93%
26Engineering managers4,760137,990$90,290 - 7%84%
27Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists4,67064,270$32,550 - 100,32018%56%
28Computer and information systems managers4,660122,000$74,840 - 16%73%
29Medical and health services managers4,62084,300$42,730 - 124,11016%57%
30Market research analysts4,51071,430$32,660 - 122,69020%82%
31Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation4,37056,010$31,180 - 92,1605%58%
32Educational, vocational, and school counselors4,29053,570$34,400 - 74,30013%73%
33Education administrators, elementary and secondary school4,28072,920$55,820 - 98,1908%78%
34Public relations specialists4,21061,380$29,870 - 100,53018%81%
35Electrical engineers4,20095,340$58,550 - 138,0506%81%
36Industrial engineers3,87082,220$52,400 - 120,91020%74%
37Chief executives3,660188,420$94,530 - 2%65%
38Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists3,52058,950$27,850 - 90,67018%56%
39Medical and clinical laboratory technologists3,51051,950$36,310 - 67,84012%51%
40Network systems and data communications analysts3,42067,270$37,030 - 105,00053%57%
41Managers, all other3,230101,370$49,070 - 164,1307%55%
42Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school3,08048,460$37,510 - 63,19020%87%
43Medical and clinical laboratory technicians3,05036,240$24,000 - 51,92015%51%
44Child, family, and school social workers3,00036,060$25,320 - 54,62019%77%
45Chemical engineers2,780106,030$68,030 - 155,2208%91%
46Medical scientists, except epidemiologists2,78051,440$30,740 - 79,77020%99%
47Computer specialists, all other2,67078,870$43,890 - 122,19015%68%
48Graphic designers2,64044,940$26,170 - 68,58010%55%
49Electronics engineers, except computer2,53089,570$57,800 - 129,3104%81%
50Database administrators2,53069,060$38,810 - 103,14029%72%
51Personal financial advisors2,43092,200$31,960 - 41%81%
52Marketing managers2,420127,550$64,000 - 14%69%
53Librarians2,35051,800$36,560 - 67,1304%85%
54Sales and related workers, all other2,30036,170$15,790 - 72,62014%62%
55Vocational education teachers, secondary school2,12052,930$40,200 - 69,1100%96%
56Architects, except landscape and naval2,09087,530$41,300 - 155,10018%88%
57Physical therapists2,01077,160$55,810 - 115,84027%89%
58Speech-language pathologists1,95066,090$43,330 - 108,77011%98%
59Sales engineers1,89099,710$59,960 - 140,1309%79%
60Environmental scientists and specialists, including health1,87086,540$34,930 - 25%93%
61Tax preparers1,87038,040$20,940 - 62,6900%54%
62Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists, all other1,74063,630$36,830 - 99,88017%56%
63Chemists1,69072,990$37,420 - 115,5509%93%
64Mental health and substance abuse social workers1,69027,270$13,320 - 44,89030%77%
65Coaches and scouts1,69039,810$15,090 - 64,98015%60%
66Credit analysts1,62072,370$33,980 - 137,1502%60%
67Occupational health and safety specialists1,58064,540$39,730 - 92,4308%72%
68Instructional coordinators1,56060,810$31,840 - 92,87023%79%
69Financial specialists, all other1,56080,250$32,820 - 155,86012%50%
70Social and human service assistants1,55029,230$18,190 - 40,34034%58%
71Detectives and criminal investigators1,53068,050$31,900 - 106,69017%54%
72Medical and public health social workers1,52047,820$26,600 - 67,49024%77%
73Adult literacy, remedial education, and GED teachers and instructors1,52049,990$24,360 - 81,58014%54%
74Counselors, all other1,49052,930$23,990 - 73,00017%73%
75Advertising sales agents1,45044,240$19,720 - 67,72020%56%
76Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists1,39037,990$27,760 - 50,09011%58%
77Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors1,37084,010$48,010 - 127,53010%74%
78Interior designers1,33047,900$26,550 - 69,89020%55%
79Purchasing managers1,320106,590$61,500 - 160,7003%57%
80Insurance underwriters1,30064,810$34,390 - 109,7606%53%
81Occupational therapists1,27067,740$41,380 - 98,63023%90%
82Surveyors1,25065,830$33,670 - 101,51024%82%
83Operations research analysts1,25072,670$38,690 - 109,78011%71%
84Budget analysts1,20075,780$43,970 - 116,1307%78%
85Editors1,19057,100$34,390 - 93,2102%81%
86Social and community service managers1,17057,410$30,480 - 89,21025%72%
87Special education teachers, middle school1,13047,790$37,160 - 61,66016%87%
88Dentists, general1,100159,070$80,860 - 9%100%
89Materials engineers1,08097,440$53,050 - 147,4404%77%
90Physician assistants1,06090,870$31,860 - 131,72027%67%
91Health educators1,03046,600$26,040 - 80,25026%58%
92Biological technicians1,03041,410$25,630 - 59,85016%60%
93Environmental engineers1,02077,500$40,810 - 127,52025%86%
94Self-enrichment education teachers99039,720$22,490 - 68,46023%54%
95Special education teachers, secondary school97048,280$37,380 - 61,9009%87%
96Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists97062,090$37,220 - 84,96016%99%
97Education administrators, preschool and child care center/program96034,410$14,660 - 51,94024%78%
98Compensation and benefits managers910102,080$61,050 - 155,65012%58%
99Computer hardware engineers91095,090$59,420 - 133,8205%70%
100Mental health counselors88041,200$27,240 - 60,23030%73%

Where the Majority of Workers Do Not Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Retail salespersons79,88024,040$14,000 - 38,66012%25%
2Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food61,89016,030$12,900 - 20,39018%5%
3Cashiers58,73017,390$13,130 - 22,770-2%10%
4Customer service representatives53,26030,000$16,700 - 46,53025%22%
5Office clerks, general48,08025,290$14,950 - 37,94013%19%
6Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive45,86028,080$15,850 - 40,4601%18%
7Waiters and waitresses42,71017,040$12,860 - 26,03011%14%
8Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners42,09018,580$13,170 - 27,00015%4%
9General and operations managers42,050117,920$49,260 - 2%48%
10Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand41,67022,330$14,360 - 32,5602%5%
11Executive secretaries and administrative assistants38,33042,830$27,330 - 61,19015%18%
12Construction laborers35,94023,220$16,340 - 31,91011%5%
13Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks32,53034,170$21,120 - 49,09013%16%
14Stock clerks and order fillers32,21023,190$14,730 - 33,440-7%8%
15First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers30,10051,860$27,390 - 80,9606%29%
16Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer29,15035,860$22,580 - 51,24010%4%
17Maintenance and repair workers, general24,94030,610$16,910 - 48,88010%6%
18Security guards21,98024,060$15,710 - 40,15017%13%
19First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers21,80041,590$22,640 - 62,5404%25%
20Team assemblers20,66023,050$15,440 - 32,3500%5%
21Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants19,27021,820$14,570 - 30,39018%7%
22Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers19,04037,510$24,070 - 56,1805%2%
23Cooks, restaurant18,98018,890$13,430 - 25,64012%5%
24Personal and home care aides18,52015,290$12,850 - 19,85051%10%
25Receptionists and information clerks18,27024,840$15,580 - 34,29017%13%
26First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers17,70029,440$17,680 - 45,62011%14%
27Truck drivers, light or delivery services17,05030,630$18,340 - 48,9408%4%
28First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers16,32057,700$34,870 - 84,2209%10%
29Teacher assistants15,70018,290$13,510 - 24,44010%18%
30Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks15,63027,840$17,920 - 39,9604%6%
31Electricians15,57041,680$27,380 - 57,5607%7%
32Business operations specialists, all other15,39069,600$32,750 - 115,98021%49%
33First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers15,13059,390$33,990 - 92,740-4%15%
34Maids and housekeeping cleaners14,68016,840$13,150 - 21,17013%5%
35Machinists14,67035,530$22,140 - 51,600-2%3%
36Landscaping and groundskeeping workers13,51021,000$13,790 - 30,54018%6%
37Police and sheriff's patrol officers13,12051,400$34,860 - 68,67011%33%
38Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators12,56032,790$23,400 - 43,2208%3%
39Computer support specialists12,35048,110$28,630 - 74,26013%43%
40Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses12,29040,830$31,850 - 52,36014%7%
41Packers and packagers, hand12,14018,010$12,940 - 27,530-11%3%
42Industrial truck and tractor operators11,62027,560$19,240 - 37,960-1%2%
43Sales representatives, services, all other11,00063,870$23,560 - 122,57028%48%
44Carpenters10,95032,940$21,530 - 48,44010%6%
45Home health aides10,89019,220$13,370 - 28,13049%7%
46Automotive service technicians and mechanics10,31039,660$20,270 - 62,34014%4%
47Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters10,25044,890$27,480 - 63,06011%4%
48Medical assistants10,20027,260$18,450 - 36,33035%10%
49Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers10,11015,870$12,850 - 21,21012%6%
50Industrial machinery mechanics9,96044,490$27,550 - 64,7109%5%
51Tellers9,75025,270$18,450 - 32,89014%16%
52Preschool teachers, except special education9,60022,130$13,530 - 41,25026%43%
53Construction managers9,56079,520$43,250 - 125,18016%29%
54Bus drivers, school9,53022,210$13,690 - 33,5409%4%
55Billing and posting clerks and machine operators9,35032,420$22,520 - 42,8704%15%
56Bill and account collectors9,33030,870$19,670 - 42,19023%13%
57Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers8,59032,890$15,630 - 52,490-6%14%
58First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers8,20059,190$33,460 - 89,5507%13%
59Dishwashers8,17015,150$12,790 - 19,15010%3%
60Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop8,11015,910$12,930 - 19,93010%8%
61Helpers--production workers8,07021,320$13,650 - 33,8000%4%
62Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers7,94052,540$31,670 - 74,190-12%7%
63Counter and rental clerks7,86025,930$13,720 - 47,50023%16%
64Child care workers7,73016,820$13,010 - 22,19018%15%
65Material moving workers, all other7,26037,140$18,670 - 53,4501%6%
66Cleaners of vehicles and equipment7,24018,350$13,330 - 25,97014%3%
67Chemical plant and system operators7,06058,850$40,290 - 78,110-14%7%
68Medical secretaries6,94030,550$21,340 - 40,55017%18%
69Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products6,94056,750$33,900 - 88,6100%42%
70Pharmacy technicians6,83029,060$21,190 - 38,50032%16%
71Bartenders6,72019,890$13,070 - 31,66011%17%
72Food preparation workers6,48018,300$13,150 - 24,77015%7%
73Structural metal fabricators and fitters6,46029,730$18,470 - 40,3600%0%
74Correctional officers and jailers6,35030,040$23,490 - 38,85017%11%
75Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists6,11022,770$14,500 - 34,66012%6%
76First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers6,01079,580$42,650 - 129,9204%38%
77Administrative services managers5,86093,680$43,590 - 154,19012%40%
78Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop5,84016,720$12,980 - 22,39010%17%
79Fire fighters5,77044,600$29,090 - 61,57012%18%
80Driver/sales workers5,76023,360$13,210 - 41,910-4%4%
81Postal service mail carriers5,710 1%11%
82Painters, construction and maintenance5,70030,400$22,690 - 39,64012%6%
83Insurance sales agents5,70057,300$25,420 - 106,79013%45%
84Real estate sales agents5,70047,500$19,950 - 105,74011%45%
85Property, real estate, and community association managers5,59047,950$22,190 - 75,38015%36%
86Paralegals and legal assistants5,56048,540$30,580 - 66,39022%45%
87Cement masons and concrete finishers5,53030,720$21,570 - 42,34011%2%
88Production, planning, and expediting clerks5,51040,480$23,910 - 62,7404%30%
89Health specialties teachers, postsecondary5,210122,360$41,940 - 0%0%
90Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists5,18037,320$23,090 - 51,95012%3%
91Cost estimators5,04066,700$33,920 - 108,76019%32%
92Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers4,96024,520$15,260 - 32,62012%0%
93Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders4,92025,390$16,270 - 37,130-4%5%
94Cooks, fast food4,89016,370$13,020 - 19,6608%5%
95Chemical equipment operators and tenders4,87050,990$32,160 - 66,720-3%14%
96Dental assistants4,84032,510$20,500 - 43,49029%9%
97Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers4,82027,160$18,000 - 38,720-26%6%
98Telemarketers4,81021,840$15,260 - 32,630-9%14%
99Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining4,78043,240$26,210 - 62,390-4%0%
100Sheet metal workers4,58034,960$22,080 - 49,9407%4%
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Career Schools in Houston

Schools with flexible schedules, simple applications, online info request forms, and rapid responses to requests for info.

(Also see all Texas Colleges.)

ATI Career Training Center
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Basic Skills, Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Engineering Technician, Mechanics And Repair, Medical Administration, Medical Support And Technology, Nutrition And Exercise Therapy, Therapy And Counseling
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Diploma
  • Request Info From The School

American InterContinental University
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Design, Leisure, Media, Security And Law Enforcement
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Master
  • Request Info From The School

Court Reporting Institute
Houston, Texas

DeVry University
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Design, Engineering, Engineering Technician, Leisure, Medical Administration, Medical Support And Technology
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor
  • Request Info From The School

Everest Institute
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Basic Skills, Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Construction Trades, Engineering Technician, Law, Medical Administration, Medical Support And Technology, Nursing And Emergency Medicine, Office And Administration, Security And Law Enforcement, Therapy And Counseling
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Certificate, Diploma, Non-Degree
  • Request Info From The School

ITT Technical Institute
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Construction Trades, Design, Engineering Technician, Medical Administration, Security And Law Enforcement
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Diploma, Master
  • Request Info From The School

Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Education And Teaching, Engineering Technician, Family And Social Work, Medical Administration
  • Degrees/Course Work: Certificate, Master
  • Request Info From The School

Le Tourneau University
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Business And Management, Education And Teaching, Therapy And Counseling
  • Degrees/Course Work: Bachelor, Certificate, Master
  • Request Info From The School

Remington College
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Beauty And Cosmetology, Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Cooking And Culinary Arts, Design, Engineering Technician, Medical Administration, Medical Support And Technology, Nutrition And Exercise Therapy, Security And Law Enforcement, Therapy And Counseling
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Diploma
  • Request Info From The School

Sanford-Brown College
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Design, Engineering Technician, Law, Medical Administration, Medical Support And Technology, Nursing And Emergency Medicine, Nutrition And Exercise Therapy, Security And Law Enforcement, Therapy And Counseling
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Certificate, Diploma
  • Request Info From The School

Sanford-Brown Institute
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Design, Law, Medical Administration, Medical Support And Technology, Nursing And Emergency Medicine, Security And Law Enforcement, Therapy And Counseling
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Certificate, Diploma
  • Request Info From The School

TechSkills
Houston, Texas

The Art Institutes
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Construction Trades, Cooking And Culinary Arts, Design, Engineering Technician, Family And Social Work, Fine Arts, Hospitality, Leisure, Media, Music, Photography And Commercial Art
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Certificate, Coursework, Diploma, Non-Degree
  • Request Info From The School

Universal Technical Institute
Houston, Texas

University of Phoenix
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Education And Teaching, Family And Social Work, Hospitality, Medical Administration, Nursing And Emergency Medicine, Security And Law Enforcement, Therapy And Counseling
  • Degrees/Course Work: Bachelor, Master
  • Request Info From The School

Westwood College
Houston, Texas
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Design, Education And Teaching, Engineering Technician, Law, Leisure, Mechanics And Repair, Medical Support And Technology, Real Estate And Construction Management, Security And Law Enforcement
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Diploma, Master
  • Request Info From The School

Jobs More Common Near Houston Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal JobsPop. vs. Avg.*
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators28,39032020.2
Petroleum engineers136,0606,79020
Geological and petroleum technicians72,3203,08017.3
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators45,42026015.1
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers52,5407,94013.7
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas 3,55013.6
Derrick operators, oil and gas37,9302,60013.6
Chemical plant and system operators58,8507,06012.5
Material moving workers, all other37,1407,26012.2
Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining43,2404,78012
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers96,16060011.4
Boilermakers55,2002,07010.7
Musical instrument repairers and tuners38,1401509.5
Gas plant operators50,8501,0109.3
Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters 1209.3
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers132,6605,2009.2
Marine engineers and naval architects 6508.4
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders37,5606808.4
Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers44,2204207.5
Lay-out workers, metal and plastic30,6705507.4
Chemical equipment operators and tenders50,9904,8707
Riggers38,1109106.6
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers32,6602,2006.6
Ship engineers66,2207905.4
Earth drillers, except oil and gas 5105.4
Embalmers36,2102205.3
Chemical engineers106,0302,7805.3
Pile-driver operators40,2802404.5
Sailors and marine oilers35,8402,2304.5
Transportation workers, all other31,7302,2804.4
Air traffic controllers120,9601,0304.3
Telephone operators31,7707104.2
Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall29,0301,0704.1
Occupational health and safety technicians55,2105204
Fire inspectors and investigators50,6006803.8
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary122,3605,2103.8
Power distributors and dispatchers54,0302203.8
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic29,7101,1703.7
Mechanical door repairers39,1904203.7
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers31,5409303.6
Respiratory therapy technicians43,0507103.6
Counselors, all other52,9301,4903.6
Mechanical engineering technicians53,1002,6803.5
Insulation workers, mechanical36,5501,4503.5
Structural metal fabricators and fitters29,7306,4603.3
Biological science teachers, postsecondary 2,1903.3
Motorcycle mechanics32,0404703.2
Hazardous materials removal workers33,1002,2103.2
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic29,8202,8003.2
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors84,0101,3703.1

Work Paying Relatively Well in the Houston, Texas Metro Area (2008 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalarySalary Index *Local Jobs
Athletes and sports competitors173,0502.54160
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers132,6601.815,200
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary122,3601.65,210
Radio and television announcers61,3101.57320
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary101,7301.53620
History teachers, postsecondary96,1901.45290
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health86,5401.421,870
Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary91,6001.41220
Financial specialists, all other80,2501.41,560
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels84,2701.391,530
Occupational therapist assistants67,4201.39410
Reporters and correspondents56,0401.37420
Geological and petroleum technicians72,3201.363,080
Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists64,2701.354,670
Lawyers136,3801.339,440
Financial managers123,3601.337,790
Civil engineers96,9601.3313,920
Industrial production managers116,0601.313,840
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary79,2501.3290
Administrative services managers93,6801.295,860
Mechanical engineers94,7401.287,510
Legal secretaries45,7901.273,210
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary91,7701.27480
Political science teachers, postsecondary95,7401.27290
Business teachers, postsecondary93,1301.26880
Engineers, all other101,4901.265,830
Engineering managers137,9901.264,760
Computer programmers80,8301.269,020
Sales managers123,6201.265,750
Physical scientists, all other111,2501.26120
Public relations managers108,6201.26670
Wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products63,8101.262,920
Economics teachers, postsecondary110,3601.25120
Marketing managers127,5501.252,420
Counselors, all other52,9301.251,490
Chief executives188,4201.253,660
Industrial engineering technicians60,2401.251,460
Chemical engineers106,0301.242,780
Tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents68,7301.24690
Sales representatives, services, all other63,8701.2311,000
Managers, all other101,3701.233,230
General and operations managers117,9201.2242,050
Credit analysts72,3701.221,620
Public relations specialists61,3801.224,210
Market research analysts71,4301.224,510
Loan interviewers and clerks38,6501.213,010
Sales engineers99,7101.211,890
Petroleum engineers136,0601.216,790
Lodging managers62,8501.21510
Materials engineers97,4401.211,080

Highest Paying Jobs in Houston, Texas Metro Area (2008 data)

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
Chief executives188,4203,660
Orthodontists181,800 
Internists, general173,230360
Athletes and sports competitors173,050160
Anesthesiologists161,700540
Surgeons160,770810
Obstetricians and gynecologists159,610590
Dentists, general159,0701,100
Family and general practitioners150,1901,780
Podiatrists147,410 
Engineering managers137,9904,760
Lawyers136,3809,440
Physicians and surgeons, all other136,1004,530
Petroleum engineers136,0606,790
Pediatricians, general134,8701,040
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers132,6605,200
Marketing managers127,5502,420
Sales managers123,6205,750
Natural sciences managers123,430490
Financial managers123,3607,790
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary122,3605,210
Computer and information systems managers122,0004,660
Air traffic controllers120,9601,030
General and operations managers117,92042,050
Industrial production managers116,0603,840
Physicists115,550120
Human resources managers, all other111,960550
Physical scientists, all other111,250120
Economics teachers, postsecondary110,360120
Optometrists109,300440
Public relations managers108,620670
Purchasing managers106,5901,320
Education administrators, postsecondary106,360620
Chemical engineers106,0302,780
Pharmacists102,5305,210
Compensation and benefits managers102,080910
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary101,730620
Engineers, all other101,4905,830
Managers, all other101,3703,230
Computer and information scientists, research100,780320
Orthotists and prosthetists99,730 
Sales engineers99,7101,890
Veterinarians98,120850
Engineering teachers, postsecondary97,600400
Materials engineers97,4401,080
Civil engineers96,96013,920
History teachers, postsecondary96,190290
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers96,160600
Political science teachers, postsecondary95,740290
Electrical engineers95,3404,200

Large Companies Headquartered in Houston

CompanyRevenue 2005 (billions)
ConocoPhillips 166.7
Marathon Oil 59
Plains All Amer. Pipeline 31.2
Sysco 30.3
Halliburton 21
Lyondell Chemical 18.6
Waste Management 13.1
Enterprise Products 12.3
Continental Airlines 11.2
Reliant Energy 10.7
Kinder Morgan Energy 9.8
CenterPoint Energy 9.8
TEPPCO Partners 8.6
Burlington Resources 7.6
Apache 7.6
Baker Hughes 7.2
Enbridge Energy Partners 6.5
Dynegy 6.4
Group 1 Automotive 6
Smith International 5.6
National Oilwell Varco 4.6
El Paso 4.6
Frontier Oil 4
EOG Resources 3.6
BJ Services 3.2
FMC Technologies 3.2
EGL 3.1
US Oncology 2.5
Cooper Cameron 2.5
Stewart Information Services 2.4
Adams Resources & Engy. 2.3
Noble Energy 2.2
Pride International 2
Southern Union 2
Quanex 2
Quanta Services 1.9
Newfield Exploration 1.8
Service Corp. Intl. 1.7
Men's Wearhouse 1.7
HCC Insurance Holdings 1.6
Kinder Morgan 1.6
ExpressJet Holdings 1.6
Oil States International 1.5
Pogo Producing 1.5
BMC Software 1.5

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