Texas, with its vast landscapes and thriving economy, stands as a beacon for business professionals seeking opportunities in the realm of administration.
In the Lone Star State, careers in business administration encompass a spectrum of roles, from general and operations managers steering corporate ships to supply chain managers orchestrating seamless logistics.
Entrepreneurs carve their paths, while leaders set the tone for success. In this article, we delve into the dynamic landscape of business administration salaries in Texas, exploring roles, industries and essential factors shaping compensation.
There are roughly 448,530 people employed as general and operations managers in Texas, making it the largest employerof these business administration professionals in the U.S. says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $48 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 5.8%.
Some of the biggest employers of business administration operations managers and other leadership and supply chain managers in the state are not surprisingly focused on the energy, tech, electronics and real estate industries:
ExxonMobil:
Spring (Houston) and Baytown, TX. Recognized for its mammoth presence in the energy sector, ExxonMobil regularly seeks experienced general and operations managers to oversee its multifaceted operations.
Dell Technologies:
Round Rock, TX. A giant in the tech industry, Dell is a hub for supply chain managers, ensuring the efficient flow of products in a fast-paced environment.
The Howard Hughes Corporation:
The Woodlands, TX. Entrepreneurs with a flair for real estate find ample opportunities with The Howard Hughes Corporation, a key player in developing communities across Texas.
Texas Instruments:
Dallas, TX. Leadership roles in technology thrive at Texas Instruments, where strategic decision-makers shape the future of the electronics industry.
>
The view.js is not setup right.
Business administration salary Texas statistics
While the median national salary for business administration professionals—a category that includes careers in management, sales, marketing and a number of other business fields—is just over $76,850 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live and the cost of living, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education.
Salaries for different business admin roles in Texas
Entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurial income varies widely based on the success of the venture. While startups can have uncertain financial returns, successful entrepreneurs in Texas may reap substantial rewards, with some earning well into the six or seven figures.
Leadership roles:
Executives and leaders in high-ranking positions, such as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), can expect salaries exceeding $200,000, with bonuses and benefits contributing to the overall compensation package.
Operations and general managers:
The average salary for general and operations managers in Texas hovers around $125,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on the industry and the size of the organization.
Supply chain managers:
Supply chain managers in Texas command competitive salaries, ranging from $110,000 to $135,000 annually. The energy and technology sectors often offer higher compensation.
Median business administration salary in Texas
The median annual salary for general and operations managers in Texas is $100,290. Even with its dominant energy industry, Texas does not rank in the top five paying states in the U.S. for general and operations managers. However, the BLS does rank Texas as the fifth highest state with the largest quotient of jobs in the country.
General and Operations Managers
10%$41,150
25%$60,960
50%$100,290Median
75%$163,950
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$48
Job growth5.8%
Total Employment454,720
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Midland, TX
$126,310
$49,670
N/A
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
$108,940
$47,080
N/A
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
$108,690
$46,480
N/A
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
$108,090
$44,220
N/A
Odessa, TX
$99,960
$42,670
$213,860
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX
$97,270
$41,320
$211,470
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX
$96,250
$40,000
$217,530
Corpus Christi, TX
$90,040
$38,450
$212,800
Waco, TX
$85,960
$39,170
$205,710
Tyler, TX
$83,750
$37,870
$209,000
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2033. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
>
The view.js is not setup right.
Salary range for a business administration career in Texas
The salary range for general and operations professionals in Texas typically spans from $41,150 to well over per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within Texas
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say you work in operations management and you live in Houston, which is an energy hub, pay may be more competitive. However, the BLS does not include any Texas metropolitan areas on their top 10 list of highest paying metro areas for operations managers.
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$162,480
Trenton-Princeton, NJ
$160,460
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$152,090
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$151,420
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
$149,260
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$141,280
Sioux Falls, SD-MN
$138,940
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT
$135,210
Huntsville, AL
$133,750
Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT
$132,880
Factors affecting business administration salaries in Texas
Several factors contribute to the varied pay scales in business administration in Texas. Industry, company size and geographical location are key influencers. For instance, managers in the energy sector might enjoy higher salaries due to the demands and complexities of the industry. Experience and education level also play pivotal roles, with seasoned professionals and those holding advanced degrees typically earning more. Here's a breakdown of key contributors to your pay:
Experience:
More experienced professionals often command higher salaries.
Education and professional certifications:
Since business administration is generally competitive in nature, master's degrees and MBAs are usually the norm, and a bachelor's degree may only qualify you for entry-level roles.
Industry and company size:
Salaries can vary significantly across industries, with technology and energy often offering higher compensation. The size of the company can also impact salary levels.
Geographic location and cost of living:
Salaries may vary between cities in Texas, with metropolitan areas such as Dallas, Houston and Austin typically offering higher pay.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a business administrator in Texas?
Determining if you are being compensated fairly in Texas involves a multi-faceted approach. Research industry salary benchmarks, considering factors like experience, education and location. Online platforms like Glassdoor and Payscale provide insights into specific company salaries, helping you gauge your position in the market.
Networking with peers and professionals in the industry can also shed light on prevailing salary norms. If all else fails, ask your HR department or manager if you believe there may be bias in your workplace. Texas enforces state laws that protect your equal pay rights: The Texas Payday Law and Texas Government Code section 659.001, which enforces gender parity as far as pay.
Texas Bill HB723 took effect on September 1, 2023, and made it illegal to discriminate against applicants based on their requests for salary information or against those who refuse to provide salary history.
>
The view.js is not setup right.
Education and training for TX
The educational path to a successful business administration career in Texas can vary. General and operations managers often hold a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field.
Supply chain managers may benefit from degrees in logistics or supply chain management. Entrepreneurs, while not strictly bound by educational credentials, often leverage business degrees, such as a master's or doctorate, for foundational knowledge. Leadership roles, especially in larger corporations, often require advanced degrees such as an MBA.
Cost of living considerations
When evaluating salaries in Texas, it's crucial to consider the cost of living. Texas, known for its affordable living compared to many other states, allows professionals to enjoy a higher standard of living with relatively lower expenses. Cities like Austin, Dallas and Houston boast a lower cost of living than their counterparts on the East and West coasts, contributing to the overall attractiveness of the state for business administration professionals.
RentCafe says Texas is 8% lower than the national average as far as cost of living, with housing, healthcare and food all contributing to a lower percentage.
While Dallas, Austin, Houston and Plano pace slightly higher than the national average as far as cost of living, cities such as Fort Worth, Lubbock, Waco and El Paso all rank much lower than the national cost of living.
Texas professional associations
Professional associations provide opportunities to network, enhance your education, find development resources and establish a platform for industry professionals to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in their respective field of business administration. One benefit of professional association membership is conferences and assemblies that provide meetings of like-minded professionals to share knowledge and brainstorm future advancements in the field. Here are just a few associations in Texas:
Texas Business Leadership Council (TBLC):
A platform for networking and professional development, TBLC brings together business leaders across industries.
Texas Association of Business (TAB):
A statewide business association, TAB provides resources, advocacy and networking opportunities for professionals in Texas.
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM):
Focused on supply chain management, the North Texas chapter offers certifications and a platform for professionals to share insights and stay abreast of industry trends.
Embarking on a business administration career in Texas opens doors to a dynamic and rewarding journey. Whether you find yourself steering the ship as a general manager, optimizing supply chains, venturing into entrepreneurship or leading corporate strategy, the Lone Star State offers a wealth of opportunities. By understanding the nuances of salaries, educational paths, industry dynamics and the cost of living, business administration professionals can chart a course towards success in the vibrant Texan business landscape.
Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find business administration salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in business administration leadership roles—and much more.
