The state of Texas has a booming economy and its tech industry is no exception. Business-friendly policies and lower cost of living make Texas an attractive option for tech companies and programmers. Developers from across the country flock to Texas to take advantage of the excellent job prospects in the state. If you’re a programmer considering Texas, there are a few things you should know. In this article, we’ll cover the average salary and available job prospects for computer programmers in Texas, and teach you how to break into the Texan tech industry.
Average Pay
Next to California, computer programmers in Texas earn some of the highest salaries in the country. The state is a haven for booming businesses, and employees also reap the benefits of a business-friendly and low-tax environment. The average salary for computer programmers in Texas varies based on location but, statewide, programmers make an average salary just shy of $60,000. While much of the state is remote and agricultural, there are several major cities and metro areas where programmers enjoy much higher pay. Here’s the average salary for programmers based on their location within the state:
- Dallas/Fort Worth: $65,684
- Austin: $70,372
- Houston: $65,693
- Waco: $64,285
- San Antonio: $66,479
- Corpus Christi: $66,234
- Amarillo: $63,955
On average, programmers living in Austin make the most. As with any tech position, salary increases with experience. In Texas, computer programmers and coders make between $80-100,000+ with a few years of experience under their belt. Keep in mind that Texas has no state income tax and a low cost of living. Combine that with excellent salaries and great job prospects, and you’ve got a great place to live.
Job Prospects for Computer Programmers in Texas
Texas follows the same technology job prospect trends as states like California. The tech industry gets bigger every year, and thousands of new jobs open up that need to be filled. For example, the government projects that job growth for computer programmers in Texas will grow 7.2%, which is higher than the national average. Some coding fields are projected to grow more than 20%, which makes for an overall excellent job outlook for programmers. The unemployment rate for programmers in Texas is extremely low, sitting around only 1.9%. Such a low unemployment rate is exceptional, even with the strong job market in the United States. Programmers in Texas report high job satisfaction rates, many citing flexibility and reasonable housing costs as strong factors in their decision to rank the position highly. Overall, programmers in Texas generally enjoy their jobs.
How to Become a Programmer
Like all skilled career paths, programmers and software developers need proper training. In the past, the main route into such positions was through a four-year degree program at a college, usually in computer science. These days, you don’t need a degree in anything to become a programmer. While it’s possible to teach yourself how to code, most people will benefit from attending a program called coding bootcamp. These coding schools provide students with a full and well-rounded programming education, and many tech companies hire directly out of them.
For aspiring programmers in Texas, coding bootcamps in Dallas, Austin, and Houston are available to help prepare students for a real job in the tech industry. Bootcamps teach students the languages and practices that are in demand today. They range in length from a few months to a year, and these schools can cost a fraction of a college degree. Many programmers in Texas are successful graduates of coding bootcamps.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
