Howdy, healthcare heroes! It's your favorite Lone Star-loving teddy bear Uni-Ted here with some BIG Texas-sized news. The Lone Star State isn't just about BBQ and bluebonnets—it's home to the fastest-growing allied health job market in America! Whether you're a therapist, imaging specialist, or respiratory expert ready for premium Texas opportunities, this guide reveals the 5 most in-demand allied health roles paying top dollar in 2026. Grab your cowboy boots (and honey latte!), and let's explore how Texas can transform your career. Everything's bigger in Texas—including your paycheck!
Your Texas Allied Health Career Path Starts Here
Ready to explore Texas's premium opportunities? Browse these high-demand positions:
Why Texas Is THE Ultimate Allied Health Destination for 2026
Texas represents the golden opportunity for allied health professionals seeking career advancement, excellent compensation, and unbeatable quality of life. With zero state income tax, rapidly expanding healthcare systems, and the second-largest population in America, Texas offers unmatched opportunities across all allied health specialties.
Here's what makes Texas exceptional for allied health professionals:
- No state income tax – Keep more of every paycheck you earn.
- Weekly pay packages ranging from $1,800 to $3,500 depending on specialty.
- Explosive population growth creating consistent demand for allied health services.
- Lower cost of living compared to California and East Coast markets.
- Diverse practice settings from major metro hospitals to rural community clinics.
- Year-round warm weather and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Professional growth with numerous continuing education and networking opportunities.
Whether you're exploring United Healthcare careers in Texas, partnering with a healthcare recruiter specializing in allied health, or searching for United Healthcare jobs that combine competitive pay with Texas lifestyle, the Lone Star State delivers everything allied health professionals dream about.
The 5 Most In-Demand Allied Health Roles in Texas for 2026
Let's look at the specific roles driving demand in the Texas market:
1: Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) – Communication Champions
Weekly Pay Range: $2,200 – $3,200
Annual Salary Range: $85,000 – $125,000
Texas faces a critical shortage of SLPs across schools, hospitals, SNFs, and clinics. With school districts requiring IEP services and aging populations needing dysphagia management, SLPs command premium pay. No state income tax means $8,000-12,000 more in your pocket annually compared to California.
Requirements: Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Texas SLP license or ability to obtain, Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA, and 1+ years clinical experience (new grads considered for school positions).
2: Physical Therapist (PT/PTA) – Mobility Masters
Weekly Pay Range: $2,000 – $3,200
Annual Salary Range: $80,000 – $120,000
With an aging population and robust sports medicine industry, Texas PTs find unlimited opportunities in clinics, hospitals, and home health. Physical Therapist Assistants earn $1,400-$1,800 weekly with strong demand. Texas participants in the PT Compact, allowing practice across multiple states.
Requirements: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Texas PT license or compact license, 1+ years experience, and BLS certification.
3: Occupational Therapist (OT/COTA) – Function Restoration Experts
Weekly Pay Range: $2,000 – $3,100
Annual Salary Range: $78,000 – $118,000
Texas OTs help patients regain independence through services like pediatric sensory integration, hand therapy, and post-stroke ADL training. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants earn $1,300-$1,800 weekly. School-based positions offer summers off in family-friendly communities.
Requirements: Master's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Texas OT license, NBCOT certification (OTR), and 1+ years clinical experience preferred.
4: Respiratory Therapist (RRT/CRT) – Breath of Life Specialists
Weekly Pay Range: $1,800 – $2,800
Annual Salary Range: $75,000 – $110,000
Texas hospitals face critical shortages of RTs, especially in ICU and emergency settings. Shortages mean consistent overtime opportunities. RRTs command premium compensation for ventilator management and pulmonary care. Travel RT assignments offer $2,200-$2,800 weekly.
Requirements: Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy, Texas RRT license or CRT certification, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from NBRC, BLS and ACLS certifications.
5: Radiology Technologist (RT/MRI/CT) – Diagnostic Imaging Experts
Weekly Pay Range: $1,900 – $3,000
Annual Salary Range: $76,000 – $115,000
Imaging departments need skilled radiologic technologists across all modalities including CT, MRI, and interventional radiology. Oil industry regions like Midland-Odessa offer premium rates. Specialty premiums for CT and MRI Techs range from $2,000-$3,000 weekly.
Requirements: Degree in Radiologic Technology, ARRT certification, Texas Medical Radiologic Technology certification, and BLS certification.
How United Healthcare Staffing Transforms Your Texas Allied Health Career
United Healthcare Staffing (UHCS) provides allied health professionals with unmatched freedom and compensation in the Texas market.
Compensation That Reflects Texas Value
United Healthcare jobs through UHCS include:
- Transparent pay packages with zero hidden deductions.
- Competitive weekly rates matching or exceeding Texas market standards.
- $100 bonus when your referral works their first day.
- Earn $1 for every hour your referral works – Unlimited earning potential.
- Completion bonuses rewarding contract fulfillment.
- No state income tax advantage – Keep 8-13% more than coastal states.
- Weekly or bi-weekly pay via direct deposit.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. UHCS can help you apply for positions while your license is processing. Some facilities hire pending licensure. Compact licenses (PT, OT) allow immediate practice.
SLP: $200-300 | PT/OT: $200-285 (compact accepted) | RRT: $100-150 | Radiology: $100-200. UHCS often provides reimbursement.
Absolutely. No state income tax + 40-60% lower housing costs = significantly more savings despite $200-$500 less weekly gross pay.
Depends on priorities. Austin offers best lifestyle, Houston offers most specialization, Dallas offers highest pay, San Antonio offers best value, West Texas offers maximum savings.
Yes. Texas school districts offer $2,000-$2,800 weekly for SLPs and OTs, with summers off. Some districts provide housing stipends and sign-on bonuses.
With license in hand: 1-2 weeks. While license is processing: 4-8 weeks. Crisis/rapid response: 3-7 days with license.
Yes, especially for school-based SLP and OT positions. PT and RT new grads are considered for SNF and outpatient settings with strong clinical rotations.
