Financial Analyst in Longview, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

As a local who's seen the financial landscape evolve here, I can tell you Longview offers a solid, if not spectacular, salary for financial analysts. The key is understanding where you fit into the local market. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Longview is $95,564/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.94/hour. This is about 3.5% below the national average of $99,010/year, a common trade-off for the city's significantly lower cost of living.

To give you a realistic picture, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Local Context
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$70k - $85k	Often found in local bank branches or mid-sized manufacturing firms. You'll be doing heavy lifting in data entry and basic reporting.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$90k - $110k	This is where the median sits. You'll be managing your own models, supporting business units, and likely have the CFA Level I under your belt.
Senior (8+ yrs, CFA)	$115k - $140k	You're leading projects, mentoring juniors, and presenting to leadership. This level is common at regional HQs for larger corporations.
Expert/Managerial	$145k+	Director-level roles. These are competitive and often require a specialized network within Longview's tight-knit business community.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:
Longview isn't competing with Dallas or Austin on salary, and it's not trying to. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median salary is closer to $105,000, but the cost of living is 15-20% higher. You'll take home less after rent and taxes.
• Houston: Similar to Dallas, salaries hover around $102,000, but the market is heavily tied to the energy sector, which can be cyclical.
• Austin: The tech boom has pushed median salaries above $110,000, but housing costs are astronomical compared to Longview's $930/month for a 1BR.
• Tyler: A nearby peer city. Salaries are nearly identical (median ~$94,000), but Longview has a slightly stronger industrial base.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In Longview, benefits are a huge differentiator. Companies often offer robust 401(k) matches (6% is common) and excellent health insurance, which can add $15k-$20k in total compensation value.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. You've got the median salary of $95,564. What does life actually look like?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $95,564 Annual Salary):

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,963
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, FICA, State): ~$1,850 (This is an estimate; consult a tax pro. Texas has no state income tax, which is a major plus.)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$6,113
• Rent (Average 1BR): $930
• Utilities (Avg. for Longview): $180 (Electricity can spike in summer.)
• Groceries & Household: $450
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Car Payment): $550 (You will need a car in Longview; public transit is limited.)
• Health Insurance (Employee Share): $350
• 401(k) Contribution (6% to get full match): $478
• Remaining Discretionary Income: ~$3,175

This is a healthy discretionary income. You have room for entertainment, travel, and savings beyond your 401(k).

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Longview is approximately $230,000. With a $95,564 salary, a 20% down payment ($46,000) is achievable with disciplined saving for 2-3 years. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be around $1,150/month (including taxes/insurance), which is often comparable to renting a larger space. This is a key advantage of Longview—homeownership is within reach for a single-income professional.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

The job market for financial analysts here is stable but not vast. The 168 open positions in the metro (as per BLS data) are concentrated in a few key sectors. You need to know where to look.

1. Christus Health (Longview Regional & Good Shepherd): The healthcare sector is a major employer. Analysts here work on budgeting, cost accounting for procedures, and financial reporting for non-profit entities. Hiring is steady due to ongoing expansions.
2. East Texas Oil & Gas (ETOG) & Related Mid-Midstream Companies: While not in a boom, the energy sector provides stable, analytical roles. These jobs focus on commodity price forecasting, capital expenditure analysis, and asset valuation. They often pay a premium (10-15% above median) for industry-specific knowledge.
3. Gulfstream Aerospace (a GE Aviation company): This is a crown jewel. It's a high-complexity manufacturing facility. Financial analysts here work on program profitability, supply chain costing, and long-term capital planning. It's competitive to get in, but the career growth is exceptional.
4. Longview Independent School District (LISD): For those interested in public finance, LISD employs analysts for bond management, budgeting, and grant reporting. The hours are great, and the benefits are solid.
5. Texas Bank & Trust (Headquartered in Longview): A key player in local banking. Analysts here work in commercial lending, credit analysis, and internal audit. It's an excellent place to get a strong foundation in credit risk.
6. Trinity Industries (Railcar Division): As a major manufacturer, Trinity's Longview operations have internal finance teams focused on plant-level P&L, inventory costing, and capital asset management.

Hiring Trends: The market is growing at a 10% rate over 10 years, which is healthy. The biggest drivers are expansions in healthcare and advanced manufacturing (like Gulfstream). Networking is critical here—many jobs are filled through referrals before they're ever posted on LinkedIn.

Getting Licensed in TX

For most Financial Analyst roles in Longview, a state license isn't required. However, specific credentials significantly boost your salary and prospects.

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): This is the gold standard, especially for corporate finance and investment roles. You need a bachelor's degree, pass three grueling exams, and have 4,000 hours of qualified experience. The total cost is roughly $3,000-$4,000 for all three levels (including study materials). The timeline is 2.5-4 years on average. In Longview, holding a CFA can push you from the mid-career bracket to the senior bracket.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): More valuable for roles leaning toward accounting, audit, or financial reporting. Texas has its own board (Texas State Board of Public Accountancy). You need 150 college credit hours, pass the Uniform CPA Exam, and meet experience requirements. Exam fees are $1,000, plus review courses ($2,000). It's a 1-2 year process after meeting educational requirements.
• Securities Licenses (Series 7, 63): Only necessary if you're working in a licensed capacity (e.g., with a brokerage). Companies like Texas Bank & Trust might sponsor these.

Insider Tip: Start with the CFA. It's respected across industries in Texas and doesn't require the specific accounting coursework of a CPA. Local study groups are rare, so be prepared for self-study.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Longview's neighborhoods are defined by commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. The Longview Country Club Area (South Longview):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, with larger homes and mature trees. This is where many senior professionals and executives live.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-20 and major employers like Gulfstream (south) and Christus Health (central). 10-15 minutes to most offices.
   • Rent Estimate: For a 1BR apartment, you'd be at the city average (~$930). For a nicer 2BR, expect $1,100-$1,300.
   • Best For: Mid-career to senior professionals seeking a quieter, more settled lifestyle.

2. Downtown / The Historic District:

   • Vibe: Revitalizing, walkable, with new apartments and lofts. Has a growing arts and food scene.
   • Commute: Walking or biking to many downtown offices (like Texas Bank & Trust). Very short drive to the medical district.
   • Rent Estimate: Trendy 1BR apartments can range from $1,000 - $1,300.
   • Best For: Young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action and minimize commute.

3. The Glen / North Green:

   • Vibe: A mix of older, well-kept homes and newer subdivisions. Very family-friendly with good parks and schools.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to most major employers via Loop 281. Traffic is minimal.
   • Rent Estimate: Very reasonable. 1BR apartments can be found for $850-$950.
   • Best For: Those looking for more space and a strong community feel without breaking the bank.

4. South Longview (near I-20):

   • Vibe: Newer developments, strip malls, and quick highway access. Convenience is the key.
   • Commute: The best for anyone working at the industrial parks (Gulfstream, Trinity) or healthcare facilities on the south side. 5-15 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate: Similar to the city average, $900-$1,000 for 1BR.
   • Best For: Prioritizing a short, easy commute over neighborhood character.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Longview, career growth is less about jumping to a new company every two years and more about deepening expertise and building a local reputation.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Energy Sector Analyst: +10-15% to base salary. Requires understanding of reserves, drilling costs, and commodity markets.
  • Healthcare Finance: +5-10%. Knowledge of DRGs (Diagnosis-Related Groups) and non-profit accounting is key.
  • Manufacturing Cost Analyist: +5%. Expertise in activity-based costing and supply chain logistics is valuable.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Director. The jump from Senior to Manager is the toughest. It requires leadership skills and the trust of senior management. In Longview, this often happens at the same company over 5-7 years. Getting your CFA is a major catalyst for this promotion.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is positive and tied to Longview's economic diversification. The city is investing in broadband and infrastructure to attract more tech and advanced manufacturing. For a Financial Analyst, this means opportunities will grow in data analytics, FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis), and corporate development within these expanding sectors. The key is to stay adaptable and consider roles in industries that are growing locally, not just the traditional ones.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $95,564 salary goes much further than in major metros.	Limited Market Size: Only 168 jobs. If you're laid off, options are fewer.
Affordable Homeownership: A major financial advantage over coastal cities.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in Dallas or Houston.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Healthcare, manufacturing, and energy provide stability.	Social Scene is Limited: Fewer professional networking events, less cultural diversity.
Short Commutes: 10-15 minutes is the norm. You gain back personal time.	Car Dependency: You must own a reliable vehicle.
No State Income Tax: Adds ~5% to your take-home pay vs. states with income tax.	CFA/Professional Network: Local study groups and events are scarce.

Final Recommendation: Longview is an excellent choice for a Financial Analyst who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over chasing the highest possible salary. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a solid career without the grind of a major metropolitan area. It may not be the best fit for a recent graduate seeking a high-energy, fast-paced environment with endless networking opportunities. For the right person, it's a place to build a life, not just a résumé.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know someone to get a job in Longview?
Not always, but it dramatically helps. The business community is tight-knit. Attend events hosted by the Longview Chamber of Commerce and get active on LinkedIn, connecting with local finance professionals. Many jobs at places like Gulfstream or Trinity are filled through internal referrals.

2. How competitive is the market for entry-level analysts?
Moderately competitive. You'll be competing with local graduates from LeTourneau University and Texas A&M University-Commerce's satellite programs. Having an internship, even at a local bank or accounting firm, can set you apart. The key is demonstrating you understand the local industries (manufacturing, healthcare, logistics).

3. Is Longview a good place to get my CFA?
It's a challenge but doable. You'll need to be self-motivated as there are no local CFA Society chapters. Plan to use online study resources (Wiley, Kaplan) and connect with other candidates via forums. The lower cost of living means you can afford high-quality study materials without financial strain.

4. What's the commute like from the suburbs (like White Oak or Kilgore)?
Kilgore is a common bedroom community for Longview workers. The commute is about 15-20 minutes on Highway 259, which is a divided highway—very manageable. White Oak is even closer, about 10-15 minutes. Both offer slightly more house for your money, but you trade a bit of convenience.

5. Are there remote work opportunities for financial analysts here?
The trend is growing, but for mid-career and senior roles, hybrid models are more common than fully remote. Companies like Christus Health and Texas Bank & Trust have adopted hybrid schedules. Fully remote roles are often with companies based outside Longview that are hiring for Texas-based positions. It's possible, but on-site presence is still valued in the local market.