Texas continues to attract entrepreneurs for reasons that have little to do with myth and everything to do with practical advantage. No state income tax, a population that keeps growing, and a cost of living that remains reasonable in most metro areas create conditions where small businesses can actually survive their first few years. The state added more than 400,000 new residents in 2023 alone, and those people need food, services, homes, and help with their pets.
Starting a business here still requires planning, capital, and a willingness to work through the early months when revenue runs thin. But the opportunities are real. What follows is a breakdown of seven businesses that align with current demand, regulatory conditions, and market growth in Texas heading into 2026.
|
Business Type |
Startup Cost Range | Annual Earning Potential | Licensing Requirements |
|
Food Truck |
$25,000 – $175,000 | $437,800 median revenue |
State permit (July 2026) |
|
Cleaning Services |
$2,000 – $10,000 | Varies by client base |
Local requirements only |
|
Pet Grooming |
$10,000 – $50,000 | $55,802 – $76,561 salary |
No state license required |
|
Real Estate |
$3,000 – $5,000 | Commission-based |
180 hours pre-licensing |
|
Personal Training |
$2,000 – $15,000 | $47,203 – $80,383 |
Certification recommended |
|
IT Consulting |
$5,000 – $20,000 | Varies widely |
No state license required |
| Health and Wellness | $10,000 – $100,000+ | Growing market |
Varies by service type |
Table of Contents
Food trucks in Texas generate a median annual revenue of $437,800, according to industry data. That figure places Texas among the most profitable states for mobile food vendors in the country.
A basic setup can begin around $25,000 to $30,000, though a new, fully equipped truck with custom features runs between $85,000 and $175,000. The range depends on the equipment you need and how much of the interior work you handle yourself versus contracting out.
Texas H.B. No. 2844, signed into law on June 20, 2025, will simplify how food trucks operate across the state. Beginning July 1, 2026, a state-level permit will replace the patchwork of local permits that previously forced owners to deal with overlapping requirements in different cities. This change reduces administrative burden and allows trucks to operate across jurisdictions with less friction.
Austin has earned its reputation as the food truck capital of Texas, with foot traffic and cultural acceptance that support vendors at nearly every corner. Houston offers one of the most varied food scenes in the country, which means room for cuisines that might struggle elsewhere. Dallas sees strong demand near nightlife districts, and San Antonio maintains loyal customers for Tex-Mex and barbecue traditions.
The global cleaning services market hit approximately $415.93 billion in 2024, with growth projected at 6.9% annually through 2030. The U.S. portion of that market is expected to expand by $37.8 billion between 2025 and 2029.
A cleaning business in Texas requires minimal capital compared to most service ventures. Basic equipment, cleaning supplies, and transportation can get you started for a few thousand dollars. Texas does not require a state license specifically for cleaning services, though many cities and counties maintain local requirements that you need to verify before operating.
In the first quarter of 2025, demand for janitorial and commercial cleaning businesses remained strong across Texas. Businesses that operate with recurring revenue, team-based models, and documented systems attract the most interest from clients and, eventually, buyers if you decide to sell.
Residential cleaning offers faster entry but tends to produce less predictable income. Commercial contracts often come with monthly agreements that stabilize cash flow.
The U.S. pet grooming services market reached an estimated $2.06 billion in 2024, with projected growth of 6.7% annually through 2030. The southern region holds the largest share of this industry, and Texas sees continued growth driven by rising disposable incomes and widespread pet ownership.
Dog groomers in Texas earn an average annual salary of $55,802. The highest paying cities include McKinney at $76,561, Allen at $71,325, Dallas at $70,708, and Austin at $69,689. These numbers represent employment figures, so owners who build their own client base can exceed these earnings depending on volume and pricing.
Texas does not require a state-issued license to become a pet groomer. However, local regulations vary. Houston, for example, requires commercial pet service facility licensing with a $50 fee. Check your city and county requirements before opening.
Mobile grooming services have grown in recent years, offering convenience to pet owners who prefer not to leave their animals at a facility. This model reduces overhead costs associated with renting commercial space.
Real estate remains one of the more structured paths into business ownership, with licensing requirements that ensure a baseline of training before you begin.
The Texas Real Estate Commission requires applicants to complete six courses totaling 180 hours of pre-licensing education. Electronic fingerprinting costs $41.45. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, and meet the commission’s standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity.
Aspiring agents must secure sponsorship from a licensed broker to activate their license. The sponsoring broker acts as a mentor and provides access to transactions, training, and sometimes leads. Choosing the right broker affects your early career trajectory, so research split structures, support systems, and office culture before committing.
Real estate income is commission-based, which means your first months may produce little revenue while you build relationships and close initial deals. Many agents maintain part-time work during their first year to cover living expenses.
Texas has no law requiring personal trainers to hold a state license. This makes fitness one of the easier fields to enter, though certification affects both credibility and employment options.
Personal trainers in Texas typically earn $65,434 annually, with a range from $47,203 to $80,383 depending on location, clientele, and qualifications. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin rank as the top markets for personal trainer employment.
While no business license is required, certifications from organizations such as NASM, ISSA, and ACE make personal trainers eligible for liability insurance and employment at commercial fitness institutions. Most gyms will not hire trainers without certification, and many clients prefer working with credentialed professionals.
Independent trainers can work from home gyms, parks, or client residences. Some build online coaching programs that extend their reach beyond local markets.
Dallas has emerged as one of the leading tech markets in the country. Over 6,000 IT companies and nearly 230,000 high-tech professionals operate there, and Forbes has labeled the city as “the next Silicon Valley.” Austin’s Silicon Hills continues to attract tech talent and startups, creating demand for consulting services among businesses that need technical expertise without hiring full-time staff.
IT consulting covers a wide range of services, including cybersecurity assessments, cloud migration, network management, software implementation, and technical support. Specialization often produces better results than attempting to serve every need.
Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio all support strong demand for IT consulting and tech services. Small and mid-sized businesses often lack internal IT departments and rely on consultants for project work and ongoing support.
Startup costs remain relatively low compared to other business types. A laptop, professional certifications, and a reliable internet connection can get you started, though more advanced services may require software subscriptions and hardware investments.
The U.S. health and wellness market reached $935 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit $988.67 billion in 2025. By 2033, estimates place the market at $1,545.13 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.74%.
The preventive and personalized health segment is expected to grow fastest, at 16.2% annually from 2025 to 2033. This includes services like nutrition coaching, stress management programs, wellness retreats, and holistic health practices.
Texas Health Resources operates as a faith-based nonprofit health system serving 16 counties and more than 8 million people in North Texas. The presence of established healthcare infrastructure creates opportunities for complementary wellness services that work alongside traditional medical care.
Health and wellness businesses range from yoga studios and meditation centers to nutrition consulting and corporate wellness programs. Licensing requirements vary depending on the specific services offered. Massage therapy, for example, requires state licensing, while general wellness coaching does not.
Each of these businesses offers a different combination of startup costs, earning potential, and regulatory requirements. Food trucks demand higher capital but produce strong revenue in the right locations. Cleaning services require less money to start but depend on building a reliable client base. Tech consulting rewards specialized knowledge, while real estate requires patience during the licensing and early career phases.
The best choice depends on your skills, available capital, and willingness to work through the lean early months. Texas provides favorable conditions, but the work still belongs to you.
Brad Crisp is the CEO at Maptive.com, based in Denver, CO and born in San Francisco, CA. He has extensive experience in Business Mapping, GIS, Data Visualization, Mapping Data Analytics and all forms of software development. His career includes Software Development and Venture Capital dating back to 1998 at businesses like Maptive, GlobalMojo (now Giving Assistant), KPG Ventures, Loopnet, NextCard, and Banking.
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