When you think “big money”, you think “big jobs”; and when you think “big jobs”, you think “big city”.
Tall skyscrapers and flashy billboards may be the two primary elements you associate with a bustling metropolis. But beyond the razzle dazzle of high-rise buildings and neon lights is a booming job market paving the way for economic growth.
Since the early 2000’s, Austin has reshaped the economic landscape of the Lone Star State by creating significant job opportunities that invite an estimated 110 people from other cities on a daily basis.
With a sharp increase in urbanization and a dynamic environment that is conducive to start-up growth, the city ranked in at #4 in the Austin Business Journal’s top 16 metro areas for job seekers.
Described as a “national leader in work-life balance”, Austin steals the spotlight for offering not just the highest pay, but the fastest growing jobs. Let’s take a look at which industries are getting richer by the minute:
Healthcare
Target: Physicians, Dentists, General Practitioners, Psychiatrists
Whether you have a physician’s background or experience in pharmacy management, the healthcare industry is rife with opportunities in Austin. This is particularly exciting news for surgeons who, as of October 2017, maintain a median annual salary of $366,361—not including benefits.
IT
Target: Software Developers, Data Analysts
Thanks to an unprecedented growth in technology and data, there seems to be a greater demand for strategy managers, software engineers and analytics experts in business and finance.
According to Glassdoor, applications development managers, in particular, are one of the highest paid in the IT industry with an average base pay of $124,267, and also the number of jobs is expected to rise exponentially in the next decade.
Business and Finance
Target: CEOs, Sales Managers, Customer Services
If you love being the boss, consider shifting your focus to Austin for better growth and higher pay.
Between 2009 and 2014, alone, 650 CEOs in Austin reported a rise in average wages from $178,000 to $192,090. Meanwhile, sales managers experienced a sharp increase in jobs as well as wages—from $128,190 to $150,240.
Finding the Right Jobs
Interestingly enough, some of the highest paying jobs are often offered within the same industry, sometimes by the same employer. For instance, according to the 2017 National Salary Levels, 10 of the top 25 highest paid employees in Austin came from the same department in Austin Energy!
Ultimately, finding your dream job is a matter of being at the right place at the right time.
International Search Consultants is based in Austin, TX and is an international search executive firm, specializing in recruitment and consultation since 1999. If you are interested in exploring job opportunities with an experienced Austin recruiter, get in touch with us before making the big move and fast-track your career under the guidance of a professional search consultant.
Ann Zaslow-Rethaber is President of International Search Consultants, a leader in Executive Search since 1999. Ann can be reached directly via e-mail at or direct dial at 888-866-7276.
