Top tech jobs in Texas and the degrees you’ll need for them

The booming state of tech in Texas

The tech industry in Texas has experienced significant growth in recent years, with Austin emerging as the state's leading tech hub. Often referred to as "Silicon Hills,” Austin has become a major player in the global tech scenes for both startups and established companies. But it’s not just Austin that’s experiencing this growth in Texas. According to Dice’s 2024 Tech Salary Report, two of the top 10 U.S. cities with the fastest growth rate in tech salaries since 2022 are San Antonio and Houston. Across the state, high-tech jobs grew at an average annual rate of 4.7% over the past decade, more than double the overall state job growth rate of 2.1%, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

This growth has been fueled by a combination of factors, including a favorable business environment, a skilled workforce and relatively lower living costs compared to other tech-heavy areas such as Silicon Valley. The Texas Economic Development Corporation, shows that the state’s largest information technology employers include Oracle, Texas Instruments, AT&T and Cisco.

And it’s not only Texas on the rise; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also projects nationwide employment growth in STEM occupations to increase 10.4% from 2023-2033. That’s substantially higher than the 3.6% projected employment growth of non-STEM occupations.

Earn your tech degree online with Arizona State University

As a Texas-based ASU Online student, you'll have the opportunity to advance your education and career opportunities while remaining closely connected to your local community. With ASU’s online technology degrees, you can become specialized in a range of fields from business data analytics and information technology to software engineering and cybersecurity. Whether you’re looking to earn an undergraduate, graduate or certificate program in technology, we’ve got you covered. Popular programs in this field include, but aren’t limited to:

• Bachelor of Science in computer science
  • This program provides you with specialized knowledge in the design of computers and computational processes. Computer science focuses specifically on how computers function, how information is transferred and the ways software and hardware interact.
  • Career opportunities include roles such as, corporate web developer, computer scientist or computer science professor.
• Bachelor of Science in information technology
  • In this program, you’ll gain practical skills to develop effective IT solutions, manage big data and enhance the security of technology assets. In addition to core courses, you can focus on cybersecurity, information systems or networking during your junior and senior years. You'll also gain hands-on experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, Unix and SQL.
  • Potential career paths include computer network administrator, database administrator (DBA) or information security analyst.
• Bachelor of Science in software engineering
  • As a software engineering major, you'll build a strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and systems management, in order to understand how computer systems operate. You’ll become skilled in various programming languages, building and managing code and cybersecurity concepts.
  • You’ll be equipped for careers as a software developer, computer software quality engineer or computer programmer.
• Bachelor of Science in technological entrepreneurship and management
  • This curriculum blends business, entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation all within the technology sector. You’ll learn how to launch technology-based ventures, improve operational structures and advance products to meet market demands.
  • Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for management roles in areas such as quality control, compliance or sales.
• Semiconductor processing graduate certificate
  • This certificate teaches you the tools and techniques needed to create modern-day electronics and semiconductor processing. This program also offers an opportunity for professional development if you're already working in manufacturing or related fields.
  • With this certification, you can pursue roles as a process engineer at a semiconductor device manufacturer or a yield enhancement engineer at a semiconductor equipment manufacturer.