Financial Analyst in Arlington, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Arlington Stands

As a career analyst who’s lived in Arlington for a decade, I can tell you the financial analysis job market here is uniquely positioned. You're not in the hyper-competitive, high-cost Dallas core, but you're not in a remote job desert either. You're in a strategic sweet spot, and the data backs it up.

Let's cut straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Arlington is $99,990/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $48.07/hour. This is a crucial benchmark. It sits just above the national average for the role, which is $99,010/year. While the difference seems minor on paper, the local cost of living context (which we'll break down) makes Arlington's wage more potent.

The job market isn't just about the salary; it's about opportunity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the broader Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area shows approximately 796 jobs specifically categorized for financial analysts. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection for this metro is a solid 9%. This isn't explosive tech growth, but it's steady, reliable demand driven by the region's diverse economy—from aerospace and logistics to healthcare and insurance.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a realistic experience-level breakdown. These are not exact official figures but are extrapolated from local job postings, recruiter feedback, and industry standards for our region:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Median Salary Range (Arlington)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000	Data entry, basic reporting, supporting senior analysts, learning ERP systems.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Independent modeling, variance analysis, budgeting support, presenting to managers.
Senior-Level	8-12 years	$110,000 - $135,000	Leading forecasts, complex modeling (M&A, capital projects), mentoring junior staff.
Expert/Manager	12+ years	$135,000+	Strategic planning, managing a team, cross-functional leadership, C-suite presentations.

How Arlington Compares to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas: Salaries are typically 5-10% higher due to the concentration of corporate HQs and investment firms, but rent and cost of living can be 15-25% higher, often negating the gain.
• Fort Worth: Salaries are very similar to Arlington, but the industry mix leans more toward energy and healthcare. Commute from Arlington to Fort Worth's medical district can be taxing.
• Austin: Tech sector drives salaries higher (often $105,000+ for mid-level), but the cost of living, particularly housing, has skyrocketed. Arlington offers a more balanced equation.
• Houston: Similar salary levels, but heavily skewed toward the energy sector. Arlington's economy is more diversified, which can offer more stability.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. The $99,990 figure is your anchor. If you have 5+ years of experience and relevant certifications (CFA, FP&A), you should be negotiating for the upper end of the mid-level bracket, not the median. Local employers expect you to know the market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after the government and your landlord take their share. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a single filer earning the Arlington median of $99,990/year.

• Gross Monthly Income: $99,990 / 12 = $8,332.50
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~28% = -$2,333.10
• Net Monthly Income: $5,999.40

Now, let's factor in the local cost of living. Arlington's average 1BR rent is $1,384/month. The Cost of Living Index is 103.3, meaning it's 3.3% above the national average. Here’s a sample monthly budget:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR, Average)	$1,384	In a decent, safe complex. You can find cheaper ($1,100) or more luxury ($1,700+).
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$200	Texas summers will spike your electric bill.
Groceries	$400	Shopping at HEB or Kroger.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Assumes a modest car note and full coverage. Arlington is car-dependent.
Gas	$150	Commuting in DFW traffic adds up.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$200	Post-tax contribution.
Misc. (Dining, Entertainment, Subscriptions)	$400
Total Monthly Expenses	$3,234
Remaining for Savings/Debt/Investment	$2,765.40

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the key question. Let's look at Arlington's housing market. The median home price hovers around $325,000 - $350,000. With a $99,990 salary, you're in a strong position. A 20% down payment ($65,000-$70,000) is a stretch but achievable with disciplined saving over 2-3 years. A more common path is a 5-10% down payment with PMI.

On a $340,000 home with 10% down ($34,000), your monthly mortgage (including taxes, insurance, and PMI) would be roughly $2,200 - $2,400. This would be about 40% of your net income, which is on the higher side but manageable if you're disciplined with other expenses. Many local analysts take this route, especially if they're coupled with another income. The $2,765 monthly surplus in our budget would be heavily allocated to the mortgage, but it's feasible.

Insider Tip: Look at property taxes. Tarrant County (where Arlington is located) has a relatively high property tax rate (~2.2%). This adds a significant amount to your monthly payment, so factor it in early.

Where the Jobs Are: Arlington's Major Employers

Arlington’s job market for financial analysts is anchored by a few key sectors: aerospace, healthcare, insurance, and corporate headquarters. You won't find the density of Wall Street firms, but you will find stable, well-paying roles with large, established companies.

1. Lockheed Martin (Arlington HQ & Missiles & Fire Control): The single largest employer. They have constant needs for program cost analysts, financial planners, and business managers. The work is complex, often tied to government contracts (FAR/DFARS compliance). Hiring is steady but can be cyclical based on defense budgets. Insider Tip: Security clearance is a huge plus here. If you can get a Secret clearance, your value skyrockets.

2. Texas Health Resources (THR): With a massive presence in Arlington (including Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital), THR employs financial analysts for hospital revenue cycle, budgeting, and supply chain finance. Healthcare finance is a growing specialty. They value CPAs and those with a Master’s in Health Administration.

3. USAA (Fort Worth office, but major Arlington employer): While their HQ is in San Antonio, USAA has a large office in nearby Fort Worth that employs thousands from Arlington. They hire extensively for financial planning & analysis (FP&A), underwriting analytics, and investment analysis. Culture is strong, and they promote from within.

4. American Airlines (Corporate HQ in Fort Worth, but a huge Arlington draw): The airline's financial operations are massive. Analysts work on route profitability, fleet planning, fuel hedging, and corporate finance. The work is dynamic and data-intensive. Commuting to the Fort Worth HQ is common for Arlington residents.

5. Gexa Energy (HQ in Dallas, but major local employer): As a retail electricity provider, Gexa and similar companies (like TXU) have significant finance teams in the DFW area. They need analysts for market risk, hedging, and regulatory reporting. The industry is volatile but offers high learning potential.

6. The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA): A major public institution with a growing research portfolio. They employ financial analysts for grant management, departmental budgeting, and capital projects. The environment is academic, with good benefits and stability.

Hiring Trends: We're seeing a steady demand for analysts who can bridge the gap between traditional accounting and data science. Proficiency in SQL, Python, and advanced Excel (Power Query, DAX) is increasingly mentioned in job postings, even for non-tech employers. Companies are also more interested in candidates who understand business partnering—not just reporting numbers, but explaining what they mean to operational leaders.

Getting Licensed in TX

For most financial analyst roles in Texas, you do not need a state-specific license to perform the core duties of financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. The term "financial analyst" is not a regulated professional title like "Certified Public Accountant" (CPA) or "Investment Adviser Representative."

However, there are important exceptions and considerations:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): If your role involves auditing, attestation, or signing off on financial statements, you will need a CPA license. Texas State Board of Public Accountancy requirements include 150 college hours, passing the CPA exam, and 2 years of work experience under a licensed CPA. The exam fees alone are ~$1,500, not including review courses.
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): This is a globally recognized credential, not a state license. It is highly valued in investment analysis and portfolio management roles. The three-level exam process is rigorous and costly (total exam fees ~$3,000+), but it's a career accelerator, especially at firms like Lockheed Martin or in investment roles.
• Securities Licenses (Series 7, 63, etc.): Required only if you are directly buying/selling securities for clients or providing investment advice. This is more common for roles at brokerage firms or wealth management. Your employer would sponsor you for these licenses.

Timeline to Get Started:
If you're considering the CPA or CFA, you can start the process immediately while job hunting. For the CPA, the education evaluation (if you have out-of-state credits) can take a few weeks. For the CFA, you can register for the Level I exam at any time. Most employers in Arlington value these credentials but do not require them for entry-level or even many mid-level roles. They are a differentiator for advancement.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Arlington is a sprawling suburb, and your neighborhood choice dramatically impacts your commute, lifestyle, and housing costs. Here’s a breakdown of top areas for analysts.

1. North Arlington (Northeast of I-30, near the Ballpark):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, with good schools. Close to the entertainment district (AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Six Flags) but insulated from the noise.
   • Commute: Excellent access to I-30 and President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT). Easy to reach DFW airport, Las Colinas (where many corporate offices are), and downtown Fort Worth.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600/month for a 1BR. Slightly above city average for better quality.
   • Best For: Analysts who want a suburban feel with a straightforward commute to major employers in the north sector.

2. South Arlington (Near UTA & I-20):

   • Vibe: More diverse, youthful, and affordable. Home to UTA, so there's a college-town energy. The Lincoln Square shopping area provides amenities.
   • Commute: Good access to I-20, which is the main east-west artery south of the city. Commuting to downtown Dallas is direct but can be congested.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400/month for a 1BR. You get more square footage for your money.
   • Best For: Analysts on a tighter budget, those who work at UTA or Texas Health Arlington Memorial, or who prefer a more urban, walkable area near amenities.

3. East Arlington (Along I-30 towards Grand Prairie):

   • Vibe: Residential and family-oriented. Less flashy, more practical. Close to the DFW Airport area without being in the flight path.
   • Commute: Direct route to the airport/DFW corporate park and into Dallas via I-30. Can be congested during peak hours.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Analysts who travel frequently for work or work at the airport/DFW corporate campuses. Great value for families.

4. West Arlington (Near the entertainment district & I-30):

   • Vibe: High-energy, tourist-heavy, and expensive. Directly adjacent to the stadiums and theme parks. Can be noisy and crowded on event days.
   • Commute: Very easy to I-30 and the entertainment district, but can be a nightmare on game days. Access to DFW is good.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800+ for a 1BR. Premium for location.
   • Best For: Young, single analysts who want to be in the heart of the action and prioritize nightlife and entertainment over quiet living.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Arlington is not a city for "get-rich-quick" in finance, but it's an excellent place for building a stable, high-value career over 10-15 years.

Specialty Premiums:

• Government Contracting (Lockheed, Bell Textron): Analysts with experience in FAR/DFARS compliance, Earned Value Management (EVM), and cost accounting for federal contracts can command a 10-15% premium over standard FP&A roles.
• Healthcare Finance (THR, Baylor Scott & White): Expertise in revenue cycle management, DRG coding, and healthcare reimbursement models is a specialized skill that pays well.
• Data Analytics & Business Intelligence: Analysts who can move beyond Excel to Power BI, Tableau, and SQL are in high demand. This skill set can add $10,000-$15,000 to your base salary.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is from Financial Analyst → Senior Financial Analyst → Finance Manager → Director of Finance/FP&A. From there, you can move into Controller, CFO, or specialized roles like Treasury or Investor Relations. In Arlington, many senior leaders at large companies (Lockheed, USAA) have spent their entire careers in the DFW metro. Loyalty and deep institutional knowledge are valued.

10-Year Outlook:
The 9% job growth is solid. The demand will be for analysts who are not just number-crunchers but strategic partners. The region's continued growth in logistics (DFW Airport is the world's 3rd busiest), healthcare, and defense will fuel this. Salaries will likely keep pace with or slightly outperform national averages due to the competitive labor market in DFW. The biggest risk is a downturn in the defense sector, but Arlington's economic diversity (healthcare, education, entertainment) provides a buffer.

The Verdict: Is Arlington Right for You?

Arlington offers a compelling value proposition for financial analysts, but it's not for everyone. Here’s the final assessment:

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio: Your $99,990 goes much further here than in Austin, Dallas, or San Francisco.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable car. Public transit (Arlington’s MBTA) is limited.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Defense, healthcare, and corporate HQs provide job security and variety.	Limited "Prestige": You won't find the same tier of investment banking or high-finance roles as in NYC or even Dallas.
Central DFW Location: Easy commute to both Dallas and Fort Worth, and a short drive to the airport.	Suburban Sprawl: Can feel generic or lacking a strong, unique urban core.
No State Income Tax: This is a massive financial benefit, effectively giving you a ~5-7% raise vs. states with income tax.	Competitive Entry-Level Market: With UTA and other local universities, there's a steady pipeline of new graduates.
Path to Homeownership: The math works here, unlike many major metros.	Hot Summers: The Texas heat is no joke and can impact your utility budget and quality of life.

Final Recommendation:
Arlington is an excellent choice for mid-career financial analysts (3-10 years of experience) who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle over the intensity of a major financial center. It's ideal for those in government contracting, healthcare, or corporate FP&A. If you're just starting out, it's a great place to gain solid experience without being financially crushed. If you're a top-tier investment