Killeen, TX Career Guide for Social Workers

For a social worker evaluating Killeen, you're looking at a military-anchored economy with a lower cost of living and a steady demand for mental health and family services. This guide breaks down the financial reality, job market, and lifestyle fit. The data is direct, the insights are local, and the numbers are non-negotiable—use them to run your own numbers.

The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

The median salary for a social worker in Killeen is $59,362/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.54/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $60,860/year. The local job market is modest but stable; there are approximately 319 social work jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 7%. This growth isn't explosive, but it's consistent, driven by the needs of the military community and growing healthcare services.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in Killeen:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Case management, intake assessments, direct client services under supervision in schools, clinics, or non-profits.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Independent licensure (LMSW), specialized caseloads (e.g., child welfare, behavioral health), group facilitation.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $82,000	LCSW licensure, program management, clinical supervision, policy work, specialized therapy.
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$80,000+	Director of a department, private practice, consultant, teaching at a university.

Insider Tip: Salaries at major employers like Scott & White Healthcare (part of Baylor Scott & White Health) and the VA are typically at the higher end of these ranges. For example, an LCSW at the Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center in Temple (a common commute for Killeen residents) can easily command a salary above $70,000.

How Killeen Compares to Other Major Texas Cities

While Killeen's median salary is below the national average, its low cost of living makes it financially competitive. You earn less here, but your dollar goes much further. The cost of living index is 91.8, compared to the U.S. average of 100.

City	Median Salary (Social Worker)	Cost of Living Index	Rent (1BR Avg.)	Take-Home Comfort
Killeen	$59,362	91.8	$900	High
Dallas	$62,000 (est.)	102.5	$1,500+	Moderate
Houston	$61,500 (est.)	96.5	$1,200+	Moderate
Austin	$63,000 (est.)	115.0	$1,700+	Low
San Antonio	$58,000 (est.)	89.5	$1,050	High

Analysis: Killeen doesn't compete on raw salary with Austin or Dallas, but it wins on affordability. A mid-level social worker in Killeen with $59,362 can have a similar or better quality of life than a colleague earning $65,000 in a high-cost city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the $59,362 median salary in a real monthly budget. We’ll assume a single filer with no dependents, using Texas's no-state-income-tax advantage.

Assumptions:

• Annual Gross: $59,362
• Monthly Gross: $4,947
• Federal Tax & FICA (est.): ~$950/month
• Take-Home Pay: ~$3,997/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Mid-Level Social Worker:

• Housing (1BR Apt): $900 (22.5% of take-home)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water): $150
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): $300 (Killeen is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (Employer Share): $250
• Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, Savings): $1,997

Can they afford to buy a home? With the median home price in Killeen around $220,000, a 20% down payment is $44,000. Given the take-home pay, saving $1,500/month would take roughly 2.5 years. This is challenging but feasible with disciplined budgeting. Many first-time homebuyers in Killeen use FHA loans with lower down payments (3-4.5%), but this increases the monthly mortgage payment. A $220,000 home with 3.5% down would have a monthly P&I payment of approximately $1,350 (depending on interest rates). Adding taxes and insurance, the total housing cost could reach $1,600-$1,700/month, pushing the budget to its limit on a $59,362 salary. Homeownership is a tighter stretch here than in a low-rent market, but not out of reach with dual incomes or career advancement.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by healthcare, education, and social services, all serving the Fort Hood military community.

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Killeen: A primary employer for hospital-based social workers. They handle discharge planning, behavioral health, and oncology social work. Hiring trends show a steady need for LCSWs in their outpatient clinics and emergency department.
2. Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center (Temple, TX): A 15-20 minute drive from Killeen. This is a major VA hospital with high demand for social workers specializing in PTSD, substance abuse, and gerontology. Salaries are competitive, often above the Killeen median.
3. Killeen Independent School District (KISD): One of the largest employers in the district. School social workers are critical for truancy, counseling, and connecting families with resources. Positions are unionized and offer strong benefits.
4. Cenikor & Other Non-Profits: Organizations like Cenikor (substance abuse treatment) have a significant presence. These roles are often casework-heavy and can be emotionally taxing but are vital to the community. Salaries may start lower but offer experience for licensure.
5. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS): The Bell County office in Killeen is always hiring for Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers. It's a high-stress, high-turnover role but a common entry point into child welfare. Expect on-call hours and a heavy caseload.
6. Killeen Community Health Centers: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide primary care to low-income populations. Social workers here do care coordination and refer patients to specialty services.
7. Fort Hood Family Advocacy Program: While military-specific, this program contracts with local agencies and hires licensed social workers to provide counseling and support to military families. It’s a niche but stable sector.

Insider Tip: Many jobs at the VA and Baylor Scott & White are posted on USAJobs.gov and the respective hospital career sites. For local non-profits, use the Killeen Workforce Solutions board. Always check for LCSW requirements, as they open more doors and higher pay.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas licensure is managed by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE). The process is clear but requires time and money.

Key Steps & Costs:

1. Education: A Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
2. Exam: Pass the national ASWB Clinical exam (for LCSW) or Master’s exam (for LMSW).
3. Supervised Experience: For LCSW, 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised experience (at least 2 years, 1,500 hours must be direct client contact).
4. Application: Submit application to TSBSWE. Fees include an application fee ($114), license fee ($164), and ASWB exam fee ($260). Total initial cost: ~$538.
5. Timeline: It can take 6-12 months from application submission to receive your full LCSW license, depending on verification of hours and exam scheduling.

Insider Tip: Texas is a compact state for social work licensure. If you hold an active license in another compact state, you may be able to practice in Texas without new licensure (check the TSBSWE website for details). For new grads, plan for the LMSW first, then work toward the LCSW under supervision. Many Killeen employers, like Baylor Scott & White and the VA, offer supervision for licensure, which is a huge cost and time saver.

Best Neighborhoods for Social Workers

Killeen is not a city of distinct, walkable neighborhoods. It's a practical, spread-out city where proximity to work and amenities matters most.

1. Central Killeen (Near Downtown):

   • Vibe: Older, more established area with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Close to the VA outpatient clinic and downtown services.
   • Commute: Easy access to most employers. 5-10 minutes to most jobs.
   • Rent Estimate: $800-$1,000/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want to minimize commute and enjoy occasional downtown events.

2. South Killeen (Near the VA Medical Center in Temple):

   • Vibe: Newer subdivisions, more suburban feel. Closer to the major medical hub in Temple.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to the VA; 10-15 minutes to jobs in Killeen.
   • Rent Estimate: $900-$1,100/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those working at the VA or Baylor Scott & White in Temple who want a modern apartment complex.

3. West Killeen (Near Fort Hood's main gate):

   • Vibe: Heavily influenced by military life, with many base-neighborhood rentals. Lots of fast food and chain amenities.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to jobs on the east side (KISD, DFPS) or the base.
   • Rent Estimate: $750-$950/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Social workers serving military families or those on a tighter budget.

4. Harker Heights (Suburban, Adjacent City):

   • Vibe: A separate, more affluent city with better-rated schools, more parks, and quieter streets. A popular choice for families.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Killeen jobs.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000-$1,200/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those seeking a higher quality of life, more space, and are willing to commute.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around the intersection of Rancier Ave and Fort Hood St if you prefer a quieter residential experience. For the best apartment value, look just south of Veterans Memorial Blvd.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career advancement in Killeen is about specialization and licensure.

• Specialty Premiums: Earning your LCSW can increase your salary by $10,000-$15,000. Specializing in clinical therapy (EAP programs, private practice), healthcare discharge planning, or military family counseling commands the highest rates. School social workers have a clear pay scale based on education and experience.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Path: LMSW -> LCSW -> Clinical Supervisor -> Program Director (e.g., at a clinic or non-profit).
  2. Administrative Path: Caseworker -> Program Manager -> Director of Social Services (e.g., at KISD or a hospital).
  3. Private Practice: After gaining experience and an LCSW, you could open a private practice. Killeen has a growing need for therapists, but competition exists. This path offers the highest income potential but requires business acumen.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 7% job growth, the market will expand modestly. The biggest opportunities will be in geriatric social work (aging veteran population) and integrated behavioral health (combining mental health and primary care). Continuing education in telehealth and trauma-informed care will be valuable.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $59,362 salary stretches much further than in major metros.	Limited Cultural Scene: Few museums, theaters, or diverse dining options. It's a practical city.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by Fort Hood and healthcare, jobs are consistent.	Car Dependency: You will need a car. Public transit is limited.
Strong Sense of Community: Especially within military families and local nonprofits.	Economic Fluctuations: Tied heavily to Fort Hood; base expansions/contractions can affect the local economy.
Fast-Tracked Licensure: Many employers offer supervision, speeding up LCSW attainment.	Lower Ceiling: Career and salary growth may plateau compared to larger metro areas.
Proximity to Austin & Waco: Easy day trips to larger cities for entertainment.	High-Stress Roles: Many jobs (CPS, VA) involve high trauma exposure. Burnout is a real risk.

Final Recommendation:
Killeen is an excellent choice for practical, mission-driven social workers who prioritize financial stability and community impact over nightlife and career prestige. It's ideal for those seeking to build experience, gain licensure affordably, and serve a unique military and veteran population. If you need urban amenities and faster career growth, look to Austin or Dallas. If you want to make a tangible difference in a lower-cost environment, Killeen is a strong contender.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 91.8 means goods and services are about 8% cheaper than the U.S. average. The biggest saving is in housing—the average 1BR rent of $900/month is half of what you'd pay in Austin.

Q: How do I find a job?
A: Check USAJobs.gov for VA positions, the Baylor Scott & White careers page, and the Killeen Workforce Solutions center for local government and non-profit listings. Networking with professionals at the Killeen Chamber of Commerce events is also effective.

Q: What's the commute like?
A: Very manageable. Most commutes are under 20 minutes. The only significant traffic is on I-14 and US-190 during peak hours. Living in Killeen proper keeps you close to most jobs.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Absolutely. Killeen is a sprawling city with limited public transit. A reliable vehicle is a necessity for work and daily life.

Q: Are there opportunities for private practice?
A: Yes, but it's a growing market. Many LCSWs start at a clinic or hospital and build a private clientele on the side. The military community provides a steady stream of clients needing therapy. Success requires marketing and networking.

Sources: Data derived from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, Killeen Workforce Solutions, and local real estate market analyses. Salary figures are synthesized from BLS metropolitan area data for Killeen-Temple-Belton.