Houston is the biggest city in Texas, with a population of over 2.28 million people. The city was once primarily known for aerospace and energy industries. These days, it's also making a name for itself in the tech sector. However, finding work in Houston—as anywhere in the United States—comes with certain challenges, particularly for expatriates. Visa requirements, employer sponsorship, and industry-specific expectations can make the job search process complex. But for those with the right qualifications and a strategic approach, Houston's dynamic job market can offer rewarding opportunities in one of the most economically significant regions of the country.
Overview of Houston
Energy has always been the cornerstone of Houston's economy, which has both hurt and helped the job market. Falling oil prices caused downturns and big job cuts in the 1980s and from 2014 to 2016. However, over the past two decades, different sectors have emerged to help stabilize and diversify the economy. Since the pandemic, Houston's job market has been growing steadily, with more opportunities popping up across a range of industries as the city continues to bounce back and diversify its economy.
Requirements for working in Houston
Anyone wanting to work in the US is required to have a work visa, and it can be one of the biggest challenges faced by expats looking for employment abroad. The process must be initiated by a sponsoring employer and is time-consuming and expensive. This means you must have an offer of employment before you may begin the visa application process. That said, expats with advanced degrees and specialized skills who are fluent English speakers will fare better than most when it comes to finding an employer willing to go through the sponsorship process.
In 2025, the H-1B visa selection process is beneficiary-centric, meaning each applicant may only register once. New wage requirements and eligibility standards now include more tech and renewable energy occupations. Startups with demonstrated financial viability can now more easily sponsor H-1B employees.
The H-2B visa program has also expanded, with up to 64,716 additional visas available and new portability rules allowing quicker employer transitions.
Popular industries in Houston
Houston is a city well known for its aerospace research centers,Ìý³Ù³ó±ð oil industry, and the second busiest port in the US. With that, the city welcomes new industries and is open to startups, innovation, and opportunity.
Tech sector
Houston's technology and innovation sector has been experiencing significant growth in the last few years, and it's fair to say the city is becoming a hub for technology startups, particularly in industries like software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity. The presence of renowned universities and research institutions like NASA makes it a competitive and innovative place if you're in the tech world.
Recently, Houston's tech workforce surpassed 230,800, with the city ranked among the top 20 US tech ecosystems as of 2025. Tech job growth reached 40% year-on-year, with high demand for AI/ML engineers, cloud architects, and cybersecurity analysts. Salaries for these roles can reach up to USD 180,000.
Houston is also home to more than 260 cleantech and climate tech startups, generating USD 12 billion annually.
Startups
The growing tech industry has brought lots of new companies into the city, and it is now home to over 7,000 startups—as well as lots of incubators and funders. and other hubs continue to support early-stage ventures, especially in energy transition and climate tech.
Energy
Houston has long been considered the energy capital of the world, with a strong presence in oil and gas exploration, production, and refining. Major companies specialize in exploration, production, field services, and transport. Energy companies headquartered in Houston include Phillips 66, ConocoPhillips Co., Enterprise Products Partners, Plains All American Pipeline, and Halliburton. Although the sector has shrunk in the last decade, it is currently rebounding, with 2,200 new energy jobs projected.
Aeronautics
NASA's Johnson Space Center is based in Houston, which drives the region's aerospace and aviation sector. The industry offers employment opportunities in space exploration, aerospace engineering, research, and related fields. Houston is home to two of the nation's busiest airports as well as the headquarters of United Airlines.
Healthcare
Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex globally, which includes renowned hospitals, research institutions, and healthcare facilities. The Memorial Hermann Hospital System, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Houston Methodist Hospital are some of the important employers in the Houston area. This city is also rated as a top spot to practice medicine and has a sizeable biomedical research sector.
Manufacturing and logistics
There is a large manufacturing sector related to the petroleum industry, including oil-mining machinery and the production of petroleum-related products such as synthetic rubber. Electronics and food products are also produced in Houston. The second busiest port in the US is located in Houston. From here, petroleum products, chemicals, and other goods are shipped worldwide.
The labor market in Houston
Currently, Houston's unemployment rate is back in line with pre-pandemic levels, and annual job growth is estimated at 1.8%.
Seventeen of the city's 19 major industry sectors are recording growth, with key gains in construction, healthcare, wholesale trade, professional/business services, and hospitality. The population continues to grow steadily, and job creation is expected to remain above average through the decade.
Finding a job in Houston
Local resources are the best place to begin your employment search. Use job search engines that are specifically focused on the Houston area and check local newspapers such as the (these are online as well). If you belong to a specialized or in-demand industry, research and contact a local recruitment agency to build connections. Additionally, leverage your network and membership in professional organizations, as this is the best way to hear about newly listed or unadvertised jobs. Networking at Houston's many tech meetups, job fairs, and startup events is often the most effective way to land roles, especially in fast-moving sectors like software and clean energy.
Applying for a job in Houston
When sending out your resume (CV), you really must stand out from the crowd. Besides updating your CV to reflect the American style, research companies before you apply to highlight the skills and experience that would most interest them. Also, ensure that your LinkedIn and business networking profiles reflect these same changes.
Skills in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, machine learning, and cybersecurity are especially in demand in Houston's job market. Remote and hybrid roles are increasingly common in tech, professional services, and healthcare administration.
Good to know:
publishes a quarterly review of the Houston unemployment rate and labor market, which may be helpful with your job search. There is also free information available online regarding monthly career fairs, including company names and open positions.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
