Quick Summary
Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) remains one of the top job markets in the U.S. in 2025, thanks to its diverse economy, strong wage growth, and low unemployment.
The metro added jobs at an annualized rate of 2.1% in May, while the unemployment rate held steady at 3.9%. The average hourly wage in DFW reached $36.60, slightly above the national average—making it an ideal environment for job seekers, career changers, and new graduates.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best-paying and most in-demand careers in DFW—with real data, salary benchmarks, and practical training paths to help you break into growing fields like healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and business support.
Before diving into specific careers, here’s a look at what’s driving the metro’s growth:
Metric | Value (2025) |
Total Employment | 4.3 million+ |
Annual Job Growth | +46,800 jobs |
Unemployment Rate | 3.8% |
Avg. Hourly Wage | $36.60 |
Top Growth Sectors | Health & Social Assistance, Construction, Trade & Transportation, Finance, IT |
Healthcare remains the leading growth sector across Texas—and Dallas–Fort Worth is no exception. Fueled by population growth, an aging demographic, and the expansion of hospital systems, the region added over 10,000 healthcare jobs in the past year alone.
Role | Median Salary (Dallas) | Training Requirement |
Registered Nurse (RN) | $98 k+/year | Associate/Bachelor’s + NCLEX |
Medical Assistant | $45k+/year | Certificate Program |
Pharmacy Technician | $42k+/year | Certificate + Certification |
Health Information Technician | $71k+/year | Certificate/Associate |
Radiologic Technologist | $93k+/year | Associate Degree |
Job Outlook: Healthcare occupations are expected to experience much faster-than-average growth from 2023 to 2033. Roughly 1.9 million annual openings will occur, driven by both job growth and replacement needs.
For a more specific example: Medical Assistant jobs alone are projected to grow ~14% from 2022 to 2032, also significantly above average.
Explore Medical Billing & Coding or Medical Assistant training programs designed to prepare you for these in-demand roles.
Dallas is quietly becoming a tech powerhouse, earning the nickname “Silicon Prairie.” With global firms like AT&T, Texas Instruments, and IBM operating in the region—and hundreds of startups in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity—IT jobs are on the rise.
Despite national slowdowns in big tech, DFW’s tech hiring remains strong. Salaries are rising, and employers increasingly value certifications and hands-on skills over traditional degrees.
Role | Median Salary (Dallas) | Recommended Entry Path |
Software Developer | $107,524+/year | Degree or bootcamp |
Cybersecurity Analyst | $108,812+/year | Certification-focused |
IT Support Specialist | $89,975+/year | CompTIA A+ / Network+ |
Network Administrator | $76,431+/year | CompTIA + Cisco Certified |
Cloud Solutions Specialist | $117,331+/year | AWS / Azure Certification |
Learn more about Cybersecurity or Computer & Network Technician training.
Dallas is home to over 20 Fortune 500 headquarters, making it a hub for corporate roles. Even beyond the C-suite, office-based jobs in administration, accounting, HR, and customer service offer stable career paths with excellent growth potential.
Role | Median Salary (Dallas) | Entry Path |
Administrative Assistant | $41,950+/year | Microsoft Office skills |
Bookkeeper / Payroll Clerk | $49,242+/year | Accounting software training |
Human Resources Specialist | $83,765+/year | SHRM-CP / Bachelor’s |
Financial Analyst | $83,545+/year | Bachelor’s / Excel + BI |
Dallas also has a high demand for Excel specialists and QuickBooks pros. Skills in data management, financial reporting, and business operations are highly transferable across industries.
Build job-ready skills with the Business & Accounting training Program.
Not all good jobs require a degree—and skilled trades are proof of that. Construction, HVAC, welding, plumbing, and commercial driving are booming in the DFW region, driven by infrastructure expansion and housing demand.
Role | Median Salary (Dallas) | Training Time |
Electrician (Licensed) | $63,991+/year | 1–4 years + license |
HVAC Technician | $49,649+/year | 6–12 months |
Welder | $53,202+/year | Certificate or on-the-job |
Truck Driver (CDL) | $100,160+/year | 4–8 weeks + CDL |
Fast Fact: Construction employment in DFW increased by 2.8% year over year as of May 2025, reflecting steady demand driven by population growth and ongoing development. These roles continue to offer strong income potential with minimal upfront training costs.
One of the most common job search queries is: “What jobs pay $20/hour in Dallas?”
Here are a few examples, spanning industries:
Job Title | Typical Pay Range | Training Needed |
Dental Assistant | $20–$21/hour | Dental Assisting Program |
Customer Service Rep | $20–$21/hour | Soft skills + software |
Pharmacy Tech | $18–$20/hour | Certification (CPhT) |
HVAC Apprentice | $20-$23/hour | Enrolled in trade school |
Office Clerk / Admin Asst | $19–$21/hour | Microsoft Office skills |
For job seekers aiming high, these are roles commonly earning six figures or more in the DFW market:
Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Typical Requirement |
Software Engineer | $107,524+/year | Degree or bootcamp |
Information Security Manager | $127,623+/year | CISSP / Experience |
Nurse Practitioner | $120,676+/year | Master’s + Certification |
Financial Manager | $121,174+/year | Degree + experience |
Operations Manager | $80,128+/year | Varies by industry |
Remember: These salaries often require years of experience or advanced training—but many career paths in Dallas can reach this level over time.
When it comes to living comfortably in Dallas–Fort Worth, salary expectations can vary depending on lifestyle, family size, and career goals. Here’s a general guide:
Dallas remains more affordable than many major cities, so your paycheck tends to go further here—especially if you avoid luxury neighborhoods.
The Dallas–Fort Worth job market is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the nation, offering career opportunities across all education levels and industries. From entry-level medical assistants to high-earning software developers, the paths to success are numerous—and often shorter than people think.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch careers in 2025, DFW’s booming economy is full of openings that match your goals, lifestyle, and income needs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Dallas–Fort Worth offers a job market that’s rich with opportunity, upward mobility, and career diversity—but success starts with the right skills.
If you’re looking to enter the workforce fast, pivot careers, or upskill for better pay, now is the time to act. Explore credible short-term training paths, certification programs, or skill-specific workshops aligned with your goals.
Check out:
The job you want in 2025 is within reach—take the first step with confidence.
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The best jobs in DFW for 2025 combine high demand, strong salaries, and growth potential. Top examples include:
A “good” salary in Dallas varies by lifestyle, but the average individual salary is around $60,000–$70,000/year. Salaries above $80,000 are considered very comfortable, especially given Dallas’s moderate cost of living.
Not necessarily. Many high-paying jobs in DFW only require certifications or vocational training, including roles in healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and business support. For example, medical assistants, cybersecurity technicians, and HVAC specialists can all earn $50,000+ with short-term training.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Dallas Fed:
Several entry-to-mid-level roles pay $20/hour or more in DFW, such as:
Many roles can be accessed with certifications that take a few months instead of years. Common certifications include:
You can explore training program options here.