As the dust settles from the pandemic, Texas’ high-tech sector is shaking off its post-pandemic slump and gearing up for a new growth trajectory. The state, already a significant player in the U.S. economy, is poised for further expansion as it attracts business relocations from other tech hubs like Silicon Valley and rides the wave of increased demand for emerging AI technologies.
High tech contributes nearly 5% to Texas’ GDP and over 9% to employment, making it an essential driver of innovation and technological development. This sector, characterized by rapid growth and high wages, is crucial for productivity and is positioned to benefit from ongoing business relocations and new investments in high-tech manufacturing capacity. For more insights into the sector’s impact, visit the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
High-Tech Hiring Dynamics
The high-tech industry experienced a hiring boom post-pandemic, driven by the surge in demand for technology products and services. However, this rapid expansion led to overhiring, and companies soon faced cost pressures, resulting in layoffs. Despite these challenges, Texas managed to avoid the severe job losses seen in California, thanks in part to the reallocation of tech activity to other parts of the country.
Layoff announcements in Texas spiked during early 2023 but have since moderated, suggesting stabilization in the local tech labor market. The state’s resilience is attributed to gains in computer manufacturing and tech consulting services, which offset losses in other tech industries.
Legislative Support and Future Outlook
The federal CHIPS and Science Act, along with the Texas CHIPS Act, provides significant support to the high-tech sector. These initiatives encourage semiconductor manufacturing, helping stabilize supply chains and aiming for technological self-sufficiency. Investments include Texas Instruments’ $30 billion semiconductor manufacturing plant and Samsung’s $44 billion investment in semiconductor facilities.
Corporate relocations and population migrations have also fueled high-tech growth in Texas. Major companies like Hewlett Packard and Apple have moved to Texas, bringing along a highly skilled workforce from states like California and New York. This influx of talent has bolstered the state’s high-tech sector, making it a pillar of Austin’s economy. For more on corporate relocations, see the Dallas Fed’s report.
Skilled Labor and Remote Work
High-tech wages in Texas are significantly higher than the state average, with 2022 hourly wages averaging $43.51 compared to $29.26 for workers overall. The sector employs a larger share of highly skilled workers, supporting elevated pay. The prevalence of remote work in high tech is notable, with 36% of employees working fully remote, compared to 14% in other sectors. For trends in remote work, refer to the Harvard Business Review.
Looking ahead, high-tech firms in Texas are optimistic about future growth, buoyed by continued investments and policy support for emerging technologies like AI and semiconductor production. This optimism could be a precursor to further expansion in the sector.
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals major pay gaps across industries as we head into 2025. While top roles in finance, tech, and healthcare exceed $130,000 to $160,000 a year, other professions lag far behind—even when education levels are similar. Job titles, location, experience, and specialized skills are now some of the biggest factors shaping how much you earn. If you’ve been wondering whether your paycheck is keeping up with the market, this breakdown shows exactly where you stand and what it takes to boost your earning power.
A cooling housing market is giving buyers something they haven’t had in years: room to breathe. With slower sales, more inventory, and less pressure to make snap decisions, homebuyer regret has noticeably declined in 2025. Buyers are feeling more confident thanks to fewer bidding wars, reduced overpaying, and stronger financial preparation—though maintenance surprises still pose challenges. This shift toward a true buyer’s market offers real estate professionals a prime opportunity to guide clients with clarity and confidence.
This week’s commercial real estate roundup unpacks the lingering economic fallout from the 43‑day federal shutdown, new pressures on major office markets, and the rise of STEM‑driven cities reshaping demand nationwide. With fresh Q3 data from Altus showing stronger‑than‑expected transaction momentum, plus updates on Chicago’s valuation slide and national mortgage policy debates, this edition delivers the essential trends CRE, mortgage, finance, and appraisal professionals need to stay ahead.
ATTOM has been named Inman’s 2025 Best of Proptech winner, earning top recognition for its leadership in data and intelligence platforms. With advancements like Snowflake integration, ATTOM Nexus, and enhanced parcel‑centric analytics, the company is shaping the future of AI‑driven real estate decision‑making. This win highlights ATTOM’s growing role as a trusted data backbone for real estate, mortgage, insurance, and investment professionals nationwide.
A new report reveals that Florida’s property insurance market is far from recovering. Despite political claims of stabilization, homeowners are seeing premiums up 54% since 2019, widespread insurer instability, and some companies re‑entering the market under rebranded identities. With high rates of unpaid claims, delayed payouts, and policy non‑renewals, lawmakers are now pushing for transparency and oversight. For homeowners and industry professionals alike, understanding these risks is critical as Florida’s insurance challenges continue to deepen.
Despite new insurers entering the state and lawmakers touting market improvements, a new report reveals Florida’s property insurance system is still plagued by high premiums, weak oversight, and companies with troubled histories. Rates have climbed 54% since 2019, nearly one‑fifth of homeowners are now uninsured, and Florida leads the nation in unpaid and delayed claims. Critics warn that the state’s strategy of shifting risk to undercapitalized private companies may set the stage for another crisis — leaving homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals navigating a market that’s far from stable.
