Financial Analyst in Baytown, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Baytown Stands

Baytown isn't the flashiest name in Texas finance, but for Financial Analysts, the numbers tell a compelling story. You’re looking at a median salary of $99,069/year or $47.63/hour. That’s a hair above the national average for Financial Analysts, which sits at $99,010/year. While the difference is minimal, it’s significant when you factor in local cost of living.

In a metro area of 85,651 people, there are 171 Financial Analyst jobs, with a 10-year job growth projection of 9%. This isn't a boomtown, but a steady, stable market. You're not competing with the thousands of analysts in Houston, but you also don't have the same ceiling for top-tier investment banking salaries.

To understand where you fit in, let's break down the salary by experience level. These are realistic estimates based on local hiring data and industry standards.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Baytown)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$70,000 - $85,000	Data entry, basic financial modeling, supporting senior analysts, report generation.
Mid-Career	$85,000 - $110,000	Independent modeling, variance analysis, budgeting, forecasting, presenting to managers.
Senior	$110,000 - $135,000	Leading projects, mentoring juniors, complex modeling, strategic recommendations, cross-departmental collaboration.
Expert/Managerial	$135,000+	Department leadership, M&A analysis, long-term strategic planning, high-level stakeholder management.

Compared to Other Texas Cities: This salary places Baytown in a unique middle ground. It’s significantly higher than in Lubbock or Amarillo, but below the averages in Austin ($105,000+), Dallas ($102,000+), and Houston ($101,000+). The key is the cost of living. A $99,069 salary in Houston or Dallas doesn't stretch as far as it does here. You're trading the frantic energy of a major financial hub for a more manageable, affordable lifestyle without leaving the Texas economic engine.

Insider Tip: Don't anchor your expectations on Houston salaries. Baytown firms know they're not in the city center, and they price their roles accordingly. However, remote work for Houston-based companies is common, and that can be a game-changer for your income potential if you secure a role with a major downtown firm.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. You've landed a job at the median salary of $99,069/year. What does that mean for your monthly budget in Baytown?

Annual to Monthly Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,255.75
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, FICA, State): 22-25% ($1,800 - $2,064) – This is an estimate; use a Texas-specific payroll calculator for precision.
• Estimated Net Monthly Income: $6,191 - $6,455

Now, let's layer in the core cost: rent. The average 1-bedroom rent in Baytown is $1,252/month. This is slightly above the national average but reasonable for the Houston metro area.

Monthly Budget Snapshot (Financial Analyst, Median Salary):

• Net Income: $6,300 (midpoint estimate)
• Rent (1BR): $1,252
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200 - $250
• Car Payment & Insurance (TX has high insurance rates): $400 - $600
• Groceries & Household: $300 - $400
• Health Insurance (if not fully employer-covered): $150 - $300
• Dining/Entertainment: $250 - $400
• Savings/Retirement (10-15%): $630 - $945
• Remaining Discretionary: $400 - $700

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? Yes, absolutely. This is one of Baytown's biggest draws. The median home price in the area hovers around $250,000 - $280,000. With a $99,069 salary and a solid credit score, you are well within the range to qualify for a mortgage. A 20% down payment ($50,000-$56,000) is ideal, but FHA loans require far less. Many analysts in their late 20s and early 30s are homeowners here, a milestone often delayed in larger metro areas. The trade-off? You'll likely commute 20-40 minutes into Houston for the highest-paying roles, but your housing costs will be a fraction of what they'd be inside the Loop.

Where the Jobs Are: Baytown's Major Employers

Baytown’s economy is anchored in energy, manufacturing, and healthcare. Financial Analyst roles are tied to these sectors. You won’t find a Goldman Sachs office here, but you will find stable, well-paying corporate finance jobs.

1. ExxonMobil Baytown Complex: This is the giant. One of the largest refining and petrochemical complexes in the world. They hire Financial Analysts for their corporate finance, planning, and analysis (FP&A) teams. Roles here are highly competitive but offer excellent pay, benefits, and stability. Hiring tends to be cyclical but is strong when oil prices are healthy.
2. San Jacinto College: A major public community college district with a large presence in Baytown. They need analysts for budgeting, grant management, and financial reporting. This is a great public sector option with strong job security and benefits.
3. HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake (formerly San Jacinto Methodist Hospital): The largest hospital in the area. Healthcare finance is a massive field, and this hospital employs analysts for revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and departmental budgeting. Hiring is consistent due to the essential nature of healthcare.
4. The City of Baytown: Municipal government employs analysts to manage the city's budget, capital projects, and utility funds. It's a stable, pension-backed career path with a focus on public finance.
5. Crown Castle International: A major wireless infrastructure company with a significant operational hub in the area. They hire financial analysts for site development, lease analysis, and corporate FP&A. This is a solid tech-adjacent option.
6. Local Engineering & Manufacturing Firms: Companies like Mitsubishi Chemical America or Linde have large facilities near Baytown. They need in-house analysts to manage plant budgets, project cost controls, and operational finances.

Hiring Trends: The market is steady. You’ll see the most openings in the first quarter as budgets are finalized. Energy sector roles (ExxonMobil) are more volatile with global oil prices. Healthcare and public sector roles are the most recession-proof. Networking is key—most of these jobs aren't heavily advertised on national boards; they’re posted on company websites and local job boards like the Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast portal.

Getting Licensed in TX

For most corporate Financial Analyst positions, a state license is not required. The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) credentials are voluntary but highly valued for advancement.

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): If you want to move into accounting-adjacent roles or controller positions, you'll need a CPA. Texas requires 150 hours of education (a bachelor’s + 30 hours), passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and one year of work experience under a licensed CPA. The exam fees are approximately $1,000 - $1,500, and review courses cost $1,500 - $3,000.
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): The gold standard for investment analysis and portfolio management. It’s a three-level exam process that takes 3-4 years. It’s globally recognized and can open doors to higher-paying roles, especially if you’re working for an asset manager or in corporate development. Exam fees are about $3,000 - $4,000 in total.
• Series Licenses (for Investment Roles): If you’re working in a brokerage or wealth management (less common in Baytown itself, but possible with a Houston firm), you’ll need FINRA Series 7, 63, etc. These are sponsored by your employer.

Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch, plan for 18-24 months to get your CPA and 3-4 years for the CFA. You can start working as an analyst immediately with a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics. The license is a career accelerator, not a barrier to entry.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Your choice of neighborhood defines your commute and lifestyle. Most analysts working in Baytown live in the city or nearby suburbs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It Works for Analysts
Old Town Baytown	Historic, walkable, near the waterfront. 10-15 min commute to local employers.	$1,100 - $1,400	You can bike or walk to work at the City Hall or hospital. Quaint, with local coffee shops. Limited inventory.
The Highlands	Suburban, family-friendly, good schools. 15-25 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,500	Popular with young professionals who want space. Close to shopping (San Jacinto Mall area). Larger apartments available.
Cedar Bayou	More rural, quieter, lower cost. 20-30 min commute.	$900 - $1,200	If you work from home or at a local plant, this is a budget-friendly option with more square footage.
League City (South Baytown)	A separate city but part of the metro. More retail, dining, and a "busier" feel. 25-40 min commute to Baytown core.	$1,300 - $1,600	For those who want a slightly more polished suburban feel with easier access to Houston via I-45.
Pasadena (North Baytown)	Industrial but with established residential areas. 15-25 min commute.	$1,050 - $1,350	Close to the Ship Channel, home to many refineries. Strong rental market, can be gritty but affordable.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-10 and Highway 146 is the main commute challenge. If you work for ExxonMobil in Baytown, living in The Highlands or Old Town is ideal. If you work remotely or for a downtown Houston firm, consider League City for better amenities and a marginally easier drive on I-45.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Baytown offers a solid, if not explosive, career trajectory. The key is specialization and strategic moves.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with energy sector expertise (understanding refining margins, commodity trading) or healthcare revenue cycle knowledge command a 10-15% salary premium. Data analytics skills (SQL, Python, Power BI) are increasingly mandatory and can push you into the top of the pay range.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Analyst → Senior Analyst → FP&A Manager → Director of Finance. In Baytown, you might also move into Plant Controller roles (in energy/manufacturing) or Department Head in healthcare or municipal government. Some leverage their experience to move into corporate development at Houston-based firms.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is promising but not meteoric. The energy transition will create new roles in sustainable finance and carbon accounting. Healthcare will continue to grow as the population ages. The biggest risk is an oil industry downturn, which would hit the local economy. The safest bet is to build a diverse skill set that’s transferable across industries.

Insider Tip: The best way to grow your salary quickly is to get 2-3 years of experience in Baytown, then make a lateral move to a Houston-based firm for a 15-20% bump. Use Baytown as a low-cost, high-quality-of-life base while accessing the Houston job market.

The Verdict: Is Baytown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $99,069 salary goes much further here. Homeownership is a real possibility early in your career.	Limited High-Finance Roles: You won't find investment banking or private equity here. Career growth may require commuting to Houston.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by energy, healthcare, and education. Less volatility than pure tech or finance hubs.	Car-Dependent Lifestyle: Public transit is limited. A reliable car is a must.
Proximity to Houston: Easy access to a major global city for entertainment, sports, and specialized healthcare.	Cultural Offerings: Fewer museums, theaters, and high-end dining compared to Austin or Dallas.
Manageable Scale: Traffic is lighter, communities are tighter. You can get to know your neighbors and colleagues.	Industrial Setting: Some areas have a strong refinery/industrial smell and look, which can be a turnoff.

Final Recommendation: Baytown is an excellent choice for Financial Analysts who prioritize financial stability and quality of life over the prestige of a high-finance career. It’s ideal for:

• Early- to mid-career analysts looking to build wealth through homeownership.
• Those seeking stability in energy or healthcare finance.
• Professionals who want a slower pace but still need access to a major city.
• Remote workers who want a Texas home base without the Austin/Dallas/Houston price tag.

If you crave the cutthroat pace of Wall Street or the startup energy of Austin, look elsewhere. But if you want a solid career, a comfortable life, and the ability to actually save money, Baytown is a smart, data-driven bet.

FAQs

1. Can I live comfortably in Baytown on the median salary?
Yes. With a net income of around $6,300/month and average rent at $1,252, you have substantial room for savings, discretionary spending, and debt repayment. It’s one of the most financially comfortable analyst roles in Texas when adjusted for cost of living.

2. Do I need to know someone to get a job at ExxonMobil?
It helps to network, but it’s not a requirement. ExxonMobil has a structured online application process. Tailor your resume with keywords from the job description, and highlight any energy-related project experience. Use LinkedIn to connect with current employees for informational interviews.

3. Is the commute from Baytown to Houston manageable?
It’s a 30-50 minute drive depending on your exact location and Houston office. Many analysts work a hybrid schedule (2-3 days in the office) to manage this. The cost savings on housing often outweighs the commute cost and time for many.

4. What’s the best way to find a job here?
Start with the Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast website and the career pages of the major employers listed above (ExxonMobil, HCA, San Jacinto College). Also monitor LinkedIn, setting your location to "Houston, TX" as many Baytown jobs are posted there. Local recruiting firms that specialize in energy and engineering are also valuable resources.

5. Is Baytown a good place to raise a family?
Many analysts find it ideal. The cost of living allows for single-income households or significant savings for families. Schools in areas like The Highlands and Cedar Bayou are well-regarded. You have access to Houston’s excellent pediatric healthcare without the city’s housing costs and traffic. The trade-off is fewer extracurricular activities compared to a larger city, but the community is strong.