Financial Analyst in Amarillo, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Amarillo Stands

As a local who's watched this city's economy evolve from a pure cattle and oil town to a more diversified hub, I can tell you that Amarillo offers a solid, if not spectacular, compensation package for Financial Analysts. The median salary of $96,277/year sits comfortably above the national average for this role, which is $99,010/year. While we're slightly below the national figure, the real advantage here is the cost of living. With an index of 90.8 (US avg = 100), your dollar stretches significantly further than in Dallas, Austin, or Houston.

Let's break down what you can expect based on experience. This table reflects the local market, adjusted for Amarillo's specific industry mix (heavy on energy, agriculture, and healthcare).

Experience Level	Estimated Amarillo Salary Range	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$68,000 - $79,000	Often start at regional banks, credit unions, or mid-sized local firms. CPA or CFA progress is a major differentiator.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $105,000	This is where the $96,277 median lands. You'll find roles at larger employers like Tyson or in corporate finance at regional healthcare systems.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$110,000 - $135,000	Management-track positions, lead analyst roles in energy (Borger refineries, wind farms), or controllership at major local employers.
Expert/Manager (15+ yrs)	$135,000 - $160,000+	Director-level, specialized roles (e.g., M&A in agriculture), or consulting. Top end is often tied to bonuses and profit-sharing in the energy sector.

Hourly Rate Context: For contract or part-time roles, the local market rate is $46.29/hour. This is crucial for consultants or those transitioning between jobs.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median is ~$103,000, but rent for a 1BR is ~$1,500+ and cost of living is ~105. The higher salary is often negated by expenses.
• Houston: Median ~$101,000, cost of living ~93. Similar to Amarillo but with more volatility due to oil/gas cycles. More specialized roles in energy trading.
• Austin: Median ~$102,000, but cost of living is ~120. The growth is explosive, but competition is fierce and housing is a major barrier.
• San Antonio: Median ~$95,000, cost of living ~91. Very similar profile to Amarillo but with a larger corporate base (USAA, H-E-B).

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In Amarillo, many mid-level and senior roles include annual bonuses (5-15% of base) and benefits like strong 401(k) matches (often 4-6%). The energy sector, in particular, can have profit-sharing tied to commodity prices.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get pragmatic. Your take-home pay is what matters. Based on a $96,277 median salary for a single filer (assuming standard deduction, TX state tax is 0%, but federal and FICA apply), your monthly take-home is approximately $5,800 - $6,100 after federal taxes (est. ~18-22% effective rate) and FICA (7.65%). This is a conservative estimate; your actual depends on benefits, 401(k) contributions, etc.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary Scenario):

• Take-Home Pay: ~$6,000
• Rent (1BR average): $879
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200 - $250 (Amarillo summers are hot, winters can be cold; HVAC costs are real).
• Groceries & Dining: $400 - $500 (Local H-E-B is a budget-saver; a dinner at The Big Texan or 806 Coffee is affordable).
• Transportation (Car Insurance, Gas, Maintenance): $300 - $400 (Amarillo is car-dependent; public transport is limited. Fuel is typically cheaper than national avg).
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): $200 - $400 (Varies widely; major local employers like BSA or Tyson offer competitive plans).
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Clothing, Gym): $300 - $500
• Total Estimated Expenses: $2,279 - $3,129
• Potential Monthly Savings: $2,871 - $3,721

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely, and this is a key Amarillo advantage. The median home price in the Amarillo metro is around $240,000. With a $96,277 salary and a healthy savings rate (say, $30,000 for a down payment), you're well within the 28% rule for housing costs. A monthly mortgage payment (with 10% down) would be roughly $1,400 - $1,600, including taxes and insurance. This is feasible on the median salary, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and savings. Neighborhoods like Puckett or the Medical District offer more starter homes.

Where the Jobs Are: Amarillo's Major Employers

The job market for Financial Analysts here is stable, with 406 jobs in the metro area. Growth is projected at 9% over 10 years, driven by healthcare expansion, sustained agriculture, and renewable energy. Here are the key players you should target:

1. Tyson Foods: The local plant is a massive employer. They need analysts for cost accounting, supply chain finance, and budgeting for their multi-million dollar operations. Hiring is consistent, especially for those with manufacturing or cost analysis experience.
2. BSA Health System / Northwest Texas Healthcare System: With the medical district expanding, these hospital systems require analysts for revenue cycle management, capital budgeting for new facilities, and forecasting patient volumes. This is a growing sector.
3. Amarillo National Bank / First United Bank: Local and regional banks are always in need of credit analysts, commercial loan officers (with analytical duties), and treasury analysts. These roles are stable and offer good work-life balance.
4. Bell Helicopter (Textron): A major defense contractor. Their financial planning & analysis (FP&A) teams support complex government contracts. Requires strong analytical skills and often a security clearance, which can be a barrier but also a premium.
5. Energy Companies (Borger Refinery, Wind Farms): Companies like Hess (Borger) and NextEra Energy (wind farms in the Texas Panhandle) employ analysts for project finance, commodity hedging, and operational budgeting. These roles often pay at the higher end of the range due to industry volatility.
6. City of Amarillo & State Agencies: Government roles offer stability. The City's finance department, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) district office, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research have analyst positions focused on public funds, grants, and agricultural economics.
7. Local Agribusiness (Cactus Feeders, United Supermarkets): United's corporate office (based in Lubbock but serving Amarillo) and large local agribusinesses need analysts for commodity trading, inventory management, and retail finance.

Hiring Trends: The most active hiring is in healthcare and energy. Tech roles are limited. Networking is key—attend events at the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce or Texas Panhandle Builders Association.

Getting Licensed in TX

For Financial Analysts, the primary credential is not a state license but professional certifications. Texas does not have a specific "Financial Analyst" license.

• Key Credentials:

  • CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): The gold standard for investment analysis. Requires passing three exams (total cost ~$2,500 - $3,000). No state-specific requirements.
  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant): Highly valued for corporate finance and accounting roles. Texas requires a bachelor's degree (150 credit hours), passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and 1-2 years of experience under a CPA. The exam fee is $1,000, plus review course costs ($1,500 - $2,500).
  • Series Licenses (for Investment Roles): If you're in wealth management or brokerage (e.g., at a local Edward Jones), you'll need Series 7, 63, etc., sponsored by your employer.

• Process & Timeline:

  1. Degree: A bachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or Economics is standard. Local options include West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) in Canyon (just south of Amarillo) or online programs.
  2. Experience: Build 1-3 years of relevant experience.
  3. Study & Exam: Plan for 6-12 months of study per credential. You can start working while studying.
  4. Total Time to First Credential: 2-3 years post-graduation.

Insider Tip: Many local employers (BSA, Tyson) offer tuition reimbursement for certifications. It's a major perk to ask about in interviews. The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (for CPA) is based in Austin, but all applications are online.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Amarillo is a sprawling city, but your commute and lifestyle matter. Here’s a local’s guide to neighborhoods, factoring in rent (1BR average: $879/month).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Medical District	Central, walkable to clinics. ~10-15 min commute to downtown core. Mix of old and new apartments.	$800 - $1,100	Analysts at BSA, Northwest Texas. Young professionals.
Puckett / West Amarillo	Quiet, residential. ~15-20 min to downtown. More single-family homes, older apartments.	$700 - $900	Budget-conscious buyers/renters. Good for families.
Historic District / Downtown	Revitalizing, urban feel. Walk to restaurants (806 Coffee, Macaroni Joe's). ~5-10 min to offices.	$900 - $1,300	Those who want nightlife and walkability. Limited inventory.
South Amarillo (Soncy Rd area)	Suburban, chain stores, newer apartments. ~20-25 min to downtown.	$750 - $950	Families, those who want space and newer amenities.
East Amarillo / I-40 Corridor	Industrial, near refineries and Tyson. Commute can be longer, but close to those employers.	$650 - $850	Employees at energy/industrial sites. Less trendy.

Commute Reality: Traffic is minimal. Most commutes are 15-20 minutes. A car is non-negotiable. I-27 and I-40 are the main arteries.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Amarillo, growth is less about hyper-specialization and more about breadth and local relationships.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with energy finance experience (hedging, project finance) or healthcare revenue cycle expertise can command a 10-15% salary premium. Bilingual skills (Spanish) are a significant asset in agribusiness and healthcare.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Analyst → Senior Analyst → Finance Manager → Controller/Director. To advance, you need to move beyond spreadsheets. Get involved in operational decisions, learn the local industry (e.g., cattle futures, wind PPA contracts), and build a network. Many senior roles are filled through referrals, not job boards.
• 10-Year Outlook (9% growth): This equals about 37 new jobs per year. Growth will be in healthcare (aging population), renewable energy (Panhandle wind), and ag-tech. Traditional banking and manufacturing will see steady, but slower, growth. The key will be adapting to data analytics and automation tools.

The Verdict: Is Amarillo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Your salary goes far. Homeownership is very attainable.	Limited Job Market: Only 406 jobs total. Switching employers may require a career pivot or relocation.
Stable, Growing Sectors: Healthcare and energy provide recession-resistant jobs.	Isolation: It's a 6-hour drive to Dallas. Cultural amenities are limited compared to larger cities.
Low Stress & Commute: Easy living, minimal traffic, friendly community.	Lower Ceiling: Top-tier salaries (>$160k) are rare unless you're in senior management or niche energy roles.
Strong Local Network: It's easy to meet key decision-makers at local events.	Weather: Extreme Panhandle weather—blizzards in winter, 100°F+ summers.
Gateway to Outdoor Recreation: Palo Duro Canyon, Lake Meredith, and hunting are world-class.	Limited Tech & Finance Ecosystem: Few fintech startups or major investment firms.

Final Recommendation: Amarillo is an excellent choice for Financial Analysts who prioritize quality of life, homeownership, and stability over chasing the highest possible salary or a bustling urban scene. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to settle down, or those who want to work in core industries like energy and agribusiness. If you crave constant networking events, a stock market buzzing in your backyard, and rapid job-hopping, you'll find it limiting. But for building a solid career and a comfortable life, it's a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living really that much lower?
Yes, but with caveats. The index of 90.8 is accurate. Groceries, utilities, and especially housing are significantly cheaper. However, dining out and entertainment prices are closer to national averages. The biggest savings are in housing and transportation (lower insurance, less driving).

2. Do I need a car?
Absolutely. Amarillo is not a walkable city. Public transit (Amarillo City Transit) exists but is limited. Most jobs require a reliable vehicle for commuting. Factor in ~$500/month for a car payment, insurance, and gas.

3. How competitive is the job market?
It's not as cutthroat as Austin or Houston, but it's competitive for the limited number of high-quality roles. Having a local connection (via WTAMU alumni, local banking, or energy contacts) is a huge advantage. Tailor your resume to the local industries (highlight agribusiness, healthcare, or energy experience).

4. What's the work-life balance like?
Generally very good. Standard hours are 8-5. Overtime is rare for most analyst roles, except in tax season (for CPAs) or during budget cycles. The culture is family-oriented, and people prioritize time outside of work.

5. Can I work remotely for a company outside Amarillo?
Yes, and it's an increasingly popular option. With a lower cost of living, you could earn a Dallas or national salary while living in Amarillo. However, you must consider time zone differences (Central Time) and ensure you have reliable, high-speed internet (fiber is available in many areas). This path can boost your income significantly.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas Workforce Commission, Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, Zillow rental data, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. All salary data provided is specific to the Amarillo metro area.