Data Analyst Career Guide: Killeen, TX

As a local career analyst who’s watched Killeen’s data job market evolve from the shadow of Fort Hood to a more diversified tech hub, I can tell you this city offers a unique blend of low cost-of-living and stable demand for data talent. It’s not Austin, but for the right analyst, it’s a place where your salary stretches further and you can build a serious career without battling big-city traffic or rent prices. Let’s break down what it really looks like to work here.

The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

Killeen’s data analyst salaries are solid for Central Texas, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. The median salary for a Data Analyst in Killeen is $81,309/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.09/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but the gap closes quickly when you consider local expenses. The metro area has 319 jobs for data analysts, and over the next decade, we’re looking at a 10-year job growth of 36%, which is significantly higher than many other fields and points to a healthy, expanding market.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the local market. These are ranges I’ve observed from job postings and conversations with local hiring managers.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (Killeen)	Key Local Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$60,000 - $72,000	Often starts in support roles at healthcare or logistics firms. Certifications (Google, Microsoft) can help.
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$72,000 - $90,000	The sweet spot for most local employers. Requires SQL, Python, and dashboard skills (Tableau/Power BI).
Senior-Level	6-9 years	$90,000 - $115,000	Involves leading projects, mentoring, and specialized knowledge (e.g., healthcare analytics, logistics).
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$115,000+	Rare locally, but exists at major institutions like Baylor Scott & White or the City of Killeen. Often requires management skills.

How does this compare to other Texas cities?

• Austin: Salaries are 15-20% higher (median ~$95k), but rent and home prices are 2-3x more expensive.
• Dallas/Fort Worth: Salaries are higher, but the job market is more competitive and commutes are brutal.
• Waco: Very similar to Killeen in salary and cost of living, but with fewer large employers and less job growth (~15% vs. 36%).
• San Antonio: Median salary is similar (~$82k), but the tech scene is more focused on defense and healthcare, not as diverse.

Insider Tip: The 36% growth projection is key. This isn’t just based on national trends; it’s fueled by local expansion in healthcare analytics, supply chain optimization for military logistics, and the city’s own push for data-driven governance. This growth means more opportunities to move up without having to relocate.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. The median salary of $81,309 is your starting point. After federal taxes, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Texas’s 0% state income tax, your net take-home pay is approximately $62,000-$64,000 per year, or about $5,160 - $5,330 per month.

Now, factor in the local cost of living. The Cost of Living Index is 91.8 (US avg = 100), and the average 1BR rent is $900/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Data Analyst earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Context
Net Pay (After Taxes)	$5,200	Conservative estimate; varies with deductions.
Rent (1BR Apt)	$900	Average. You can find places for less, especially in older neighborhoods or with roommates.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Killeen’s climate means higher AC/heating costs in summer/winter.
Groceries	$350	Comparable to national average.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Killeen is car-dependent. Insurance is moderate.
Health Insurance (Employer)	$150	Typical employee contribution.
Fuel	$120	Commutes vary, but you’ll drive regularly.
Misc. (Dining, Entertainment, Personal)	$500	A reasonable buffer for a comfortable lifestyle.
Savings/Debt Payment	$2,530	After all expenses, you have significant room for savings, student loans, or a mortgage.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely, yes. This is one of Killeen’s biggest draws. With the median home price around $240,000 (as of late 2023), a 20% down payment is $48,000. Your estimated monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,600-$1,700. Given your take-home pay of over $5,000, this keeps your housing payment under 34% of your net income—a healthy ratio. The $2,530 in monthly surplus in the budget above makes saving for that down payment feasible within 2-3 years of disciplined saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

The job market here is anchored by a few key sectors: military support, healthcare, and public administration. Here are the specific employers to target:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Killeen: The largest private employer in the area. They have a growing Health Informatics & Analytics department. They look for analysts with experience in EHR data (Epic, Cerner), SQL, and Python. Hiring is steady, often driven by grants and operational efficiency projects.
2. Carlill & Associates / Local Logistics Firms: Killeen’s economy is heavily tied to Fort Hood. Companies like Carlill, along with the Killeen-Temple Logistics Council, hire analysts to optimize supply chains, manage inventory, and analyze transportation data. Knowledge of ERP systems (like SAP) is a huge plus here.
3. City of Killeen & Bell County Government: Government jobs offer stability and great benefits. The City’s Information Technology Department and Planning Department hire analysts for budget analysis, public works data, and crime statistics. These are civil service positions—check the official City of Killeen jobs page and governmentjobs.com for openings.
4. Killeen Independent School District (KISD): With over 45,010 students, KISD has a dedicated Data & Accountability team. Analysts here work with student assessment data, attendance tracking, and federal reporting requirements. It’s a great environment if you value mission-driven work and strong job security.
5. Fort Hood (Military Installation): While direct civilian roles on post are with the Department of the Army or contractors, the surrounding ecosystem is massive. Companies like CACI, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Leidos have contracts supporting data analysis for logistics, personnel, and intelligence. Security clearance is often a prerequisite for the highest-paying roles.
6. Texas A&M University-Central Texas: The university in nearby Temple (a 20-minute drive) has a growing IT and institutional research department. They hire analysts for student success analytics, enrollment management, and grant reporting. It’s a great entry point for those with academic interests.
7. Local Banks & Credit Unions (e.g., Extraco Banks, Vantage Bank): Financial institutions need analysts for risk assessment, customer segmentation, and branch performance. The work is stable, and the pace is more traditional compared to tech startups.

Hiring Trends: The 36% growth projection is being felt. I see more openings for Power BI and Tableau specialists, and a rising demand for analysts who can bridge the gap between technical data work and business decision-making. Remote work is less common than in Austin, but hybrid roles are becoming more prevalent, especially with larger employers.

Getting Licensed in TX

For most Data Analyst roles in Texas, you do not need a state-issued license. Unlike fields like nursing or accounting, data analysis is unregulated. However, employers do look for specific credentials and certifications.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related field is the standard entry requirement. Local universities like Texas A&M-Central Texas offer relevant degrees.
• Professional Certifications (Highly Recommended):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: (~$49/month on Coursera). A great entry-level signal.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: (~$165 exam fee). Extremely valuable in the Killeen market, where many businesses use Microsoft products.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: (~$100 exam fee). Another key skill for dashboarding.
• Security Clearance: If you aim for defense contractors or government roles on or near Fort Hood, you may need a U.S. Security Clearance. The process is lengthy (6-18 months) and is sponsored by an employer, not something you get on your own.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you have a relevant degree and 1-2 certifications: You can start applying immediately. The job search may take 2-4 months.
• If you’re career-changing: Plan for 6-9 months. Use that time to complete a certification (e.g., Google or Microsoft), build a portfolio with public datasets, and network on LinkedIn with local professionals.
• No formal degree? It’s an uphill battle, but not impossible. A stellar portfolio (on GitHub) and a relevant certification can compensate, especially for mid-level roles at smaller firms.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Killeen’s neighborhoods are defined by proximity to Fort Hood, major employers, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For...
Central Killeen	Urban, walkable to downtown, older homes. 10-15 min to most employers.	$800 - $1,000	Those who want a short commute, don't mind older apartments, and like local coffee shops.
South Killeen	Residential, family-oriented, newer subdivisions. 15-20 min commute.	$950 - $1,200	Analysts with families or those wanting more space and newer amenities. Close to KISD schools.
Harker Heights	Suburban, quieter, more retail options. 20-25 min to central Killeen.	$1,000 - $1,300	A premium for a safer, more polished suburb feel. Popular with professionals.
Nolanville / Rural	Small-town feel, very affordable, more property. 25-35 min commute.	$700 - $900	Budget-conscious analysts who don’t mind a longer drive for a house and yard.
Fort Hood Gateway (West)	Grittier, directly adjacent to the base. Very affordable but less desirable.	$650 - $850	Not recommended for most, but an option for extreme budget savings if you’re near the base entrance.

Insider Tip: For a single professional, Central Killeen offers the best balance of cost, commute, and lifestyle. You can walk to places like Brick & Mortar Brewing or Dysfunction Junction (local shops). For more peace and space, Harker Heights is the move, though you’ll pay a bit more.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your 10-year outlook in Killeen depends on specialization.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Analytics: With Baylor Scott & White, analysts with EPIC CDM (Clinical Data Model) experience can command a 10-15% salary premium.
• Supply Chain/Logistics: Deep knowledge of SAP or military logistics software can push you toward the top of the senior range ($110k+).
• Public Sector/Government: While base pay may be slightly lower, the benefits (pension, healthcare) are exceptional, making total compensation competitive.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Track: Data Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Data Engineer -> Analytics Architect (rare locally, possible with remote work).
2. Management Track: Data Analyst -> Lead Analyst -> Analytics Manager (common at Baylor, KISD, City government).
3. Domain Specialist: Analyst -> Business Intelligence Analyst -> Domain Expert (e.g., Healthcare Informatics Specialist).

10-Year Outlook (36% Growth):
The growth will come from three areas: Healthcare (aging population, value-based care), Government (data-driven decision making for public services), and Defense Logistics (ongoing modernization). The key to long-term growth here is to build deep expertise in one domain (healthcare, logistics, education) while maintaining strong technical skills. Remote work will also open up opportunities to work for Austin or Dallas firms while living in Killeen, giving you access to higher salaries without the cost-of-living trade-off.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Pros and Cons at a Glance:

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living lets your salary go far.	Limited tech scene—fewer meetups, conferences, and startups.
Stable job market tied to healthcare, government, and military.	Car-dependent city with minimal public transportation.
High job growth (36%) for the next decade.	Social/cultural scene is modest compared to Austin or DFW.
Easy path to homeownership on a data analyst salary.	Can feel isolated if you’re not plugged into military or local community.
Short commutes (most under 20 minutes).	Fewer senior-level roles—may need to go remote for the highest pay.

Final Recommendation:
Killeen is an excellent choice for data analysts who prioritize financial stability and work-life balance over a bustling tech startup environment. It’s ideal for:

• Early to mid-career analysts looking to save aggressively and buy a home.
• Professionals willing to specialize in healthcare, logistics, or public sector data.
• Remote-first or hybrid workers who can leverage a Killeen salary and cost of living while earning a national wage.

It’s not the best fit if you’re looking for a vibrant, urban tech hub with endless networking events and career pivots every few years. But for building a solid foundation, advancing in a specific industry, and achieving financial security, Killeen offers a compelling, data-driven proposition.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to break into the data field in Killeen without a security clearance?
Not necessarily. While clearance opens doors to the highest-paying defense contractor roles, most healthcare, government, and logistics jobs do not require it. Focus on gaining experience with a local employer like Baylor Scott & White or the City of Killeen, and you can build a strong career without it.

2. How competitive is the job market for Data Analysts in Killeen?
With 319 jobs and 36% projected growth, the market is active but not hyper-competitive like Austin. You’ll face competition for the best roles, but having local knowledge and the right certifications (especially Power BI) gives you a significant edge. Networking on LinkedIn with employees at major local employers is highly effective.

3. What’s the best way to network in Killeen’s tech scene?
It’s smaller than in major metros, so you have to be proactive. Join the Central Texas Analytics Meetup (often meets in Temple or Killeen), connect with the Killeen Chamber of Commerce, and engage with professional groups on LinkedIn. Don’t overlook the Texas A&M-Central Texas alumni network.

4. Can I work remotely for an Austin or Dallas company while living in Killeen?
Yes, and this is a growing trend. Many analysts do this to access higher salaries while enjoying Killeen’s low costs. Be prepared for occasional trips to the office (possibly once a month or quarterly). Ensure your home internet is reliable, as fiber options are expanding but not universal.

5. What’s the single biggest mistake newcomers make when moving to Killeen for a data job?
Underestimating the importance of domain knowledge. Unlike in a tech hub where you can hop between industries, Killeen’s market rewards analysts who understand the local context—be it military logistics, healthcare regulations, or school district funding. Learn the local ecosystem, and you’ll advance much faster.