The Web Developer's Guide to Killeen, TX: A Local's Perspective

So, you're thinking about Killeen as a web dev. You're probably picturing a quiet, affordable town—and you're not wrong. But there's more to it than just cheap rent and Fort Cavazos. As a local who's watched this city's tech scene simmer for years, I'll give you the unvarnished truth about building a career and a life here.

Killeen isn't Austin. It's not a tech hub. But for a web developer who values affordability, stability, and a straightforward lifestyle, it has a surprising amount to offer. The key is knowing where to look, what to expect, and how to navigate the local market. Let's break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

Let's get the numbers out of the way first. The data you've seen is correct: the median salary for a web developer in the Killeen-Temple metro area is $90,468/year, with an hourly rate of $43.49/hour. That's slightly below the national average of $92,750/year, but it’s crucial to view this through the lens of Killeen's cost of living.

The 10-year job growth for this metro is 16%, which is solid. It tells us the demand is growing, albeit not explosively. There are roughly 319 web developer jobs in the metro, meaning the market is active but not flooded. You're not competing with the thousands of candidates you'd face in Dallas or Houston.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry knowledge, structured around the median.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $78,000	Front-end templates, basic WordPress sites, junior support tasks.
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$80,000 - $95,000	Full-stack projects, custom CMS work, client-facing communication.
Senior-Level	6-9 years	$95,000 - $115,000	System architecture, team lead, complex integrations (payment, APIs).
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$115,000+	CTO-track, high-level strategy, specialized tech (e.g., security, SaaS).

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Austin: Median ~$110,000. Cost of living is ~40% higher than Killeen. You'd need a $154,000 salary here to match Killeen's purchasing power.
• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median ~$105,000. Cost of living is ~25% higher. A comparable salary would be ~$131,000.
• Houston: Median ~$102,000. Cost of living is ~20% higher. You'd need ~$122,000.

Verdict: Killeen’s salary is lower, but the purchasing power is significantly higher. The $90,468 median feels more like $120,000+ in a major Texas metro when you consider housing, groceries, and taxes.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math for a single person earning the median salary of $90,468. (Assumptions: Filing single, standard deduction, using TX's 0% state income tax).

Item	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$7,539	$90,468 / 12
Federal Tax (Est.)	-$1,150	Includes FICA (7.65%)
Health Insurance	-$450	Post-tax, employer-sponsored
401(k) (5%)	-$377	Pre-tax
Net Take-Home	~$5,562	Your actual cash in hand

Now, let's budget that $5,562 in Killeen. The average 1BR rent is $900/month, but you can find better.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Insider Tip
Rent (1BR Apt)	$850 - $1,000	Look in Nolanville for cheaper, modern options.
Utilities	$150	Electricity runs higher in summer (A/C).
Groceries	$400	H-E-B is the king here; Walmart is cheaper.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Commuting is a must; public transit is limited.
Gas	$120	Average commute is 20-30 mins.
Entertainment/Dining	$400	Local breweries, Fort Cavazos events.
Misc/Savings	$1,142	This is your surplus.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Killeen metro is around $250,000 - $275,000. With a $50,000 down payment (20%), your monthly mortgage (with taxes/insurance) would be ~$1,400. That's manageable on a $90,468 salary, especially if you have a dual-income household. Many developers here own homes within 3-5 years of moving.

The Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

Unlike Austin, Killeen's tech jobs aren't concentrated in a "Silicon Hills." They're embedded in larger institutions. Here’s where you look:

1. Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood): The 800-lb gorilla. The Army's massive base employs thousands in IT. Look for GS (General Schedule) civilian jobs on USAJobs.gov, or contractor roles with companies like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and General Dynamics. They need web developers for internal portals, training sites, and public-facing information sites. Hiring is steady but slow due to government bureaucracy.

2. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Killeen: The largest private employer. They have an in-house IT team that manages their patient portal, internal websites, and digital health tools. It’s stable work with great benefits. Check their careers page under "IT & Digital."

3. Killeen Independent School District (KISD): With over 40 schools, KISD needs developers to maintain their district website, parent portals, and educational platforms. It's a great entry point for junior devs with a focus on accessibility (ADA compliance is huge here).

4. Local Agencies & Marketing Firms: Killeen has a handful of small digital agencies that serve local businesses (real estate, law firms, restaurants). Companies like Harker Heights-based Peak Digital or Killeen's Grizzly Marketing often hire freelance or junior devs for client projects. It's a good way to build a portfolio.

5. Central Texas College (CTC) & Texas A&M Central Texas: Both colleges have IT departments. CTC, in particular, often hires for their online learning platforms and public sites. The university side is more research-focused but occasionally posts for web dev roles.

Insider's Hiring Trend: Remote work is a mixed bag. Some local employers are hesitant, but many understand it's necessary to attract talent. For hybrid roles, you'll likely be asked to come in 1-2 days a week. The real growth is in contract-to-hire with the Fort Cavazos contractors—they test you out before a full-time offer.

Getting Licensed in TX

Good news: Web development is not a licensed profession in Texas. There is no state-specific license required to practice as a web developer. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry.

What you do need:

• A solid portfolio. This is non-negotiable. Build 3-5 projects.
• Relevant certifications. While not "licensed," certifications can help. Consider:
  • FreeCodeCamp certificates (Front End, Back End).
  • Google IT Support Professional Certificate (for broader IT roles).
  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (useful for roles with larger employers).
• If you form an LLC for freelance work: You'll need to register with the Texas Secretary of State (cost: $300). File online—it's straightforward. You'll also need an EIN from the IRS (free).

Timeline to Get Started: If you have a portfolio, you can start applying immediately. If you need to build one, allocate 3-6 months of dedicated project work. The job hunt itself can take 2-4 months in this market due to the smaller volume of openings.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Where you live dictates your lifestyle and commute. Here’s a local's breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Devs
Killeen (Central)	Urban grid, older homes, walkable to downtown & base. 10-15 min commute.	$800 - $950	Close to employers, diverse food scene, lower rent.
Harker Heights	Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. 15-20 min commute.	$950 - $1,150	Quieter, more modern apartments, less base traffic.
Nolanville	Small-town feel, newer developments, rural outskirts. 20-25 min commute.	$750 - $900	Best value for rent. More space, lower cost.
Belton	College town vibe (UMHB), historic downtown. 25-30 min commute.	$900 - $1,100	More cultural events, good for freelancers who want a change.
Copperas Cove	Quiet, established, middle-class. 15-20 min commute.	$850 - $1,000	Very stable, good for families, less transient.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Fort Cavazos Parkway and US-190 is the worst during shift changes at the base (7-8 AM, 4-5 PM). If you work for a contractor or on base, factor that in. Living in Harker Heights gives you a reverse commute if you work in Killeen proper.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Killeen is not a place for rapid, exponential career growth within a single company. It’s a place for strategic building.

• Specialty Premiums: You won't find a huge premium for niche skills like you would in Austin. However, security clearance is the golden ticket. If you can get a Secret or Top Secret clearance (often sponsored by a Fort Cavazos contractor), your value skyrockets. Cleared web devs can command $110,000+ even in Killeen.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is:
  1. Junior at a local agency or school → Mid-level at a larger employer (Baylor, KISD) → Senior role with a defense contractor.
  2. Alternatively: Build a freelance client base and go full-time self-employed. The military community provides a steady stream of small businesses needing web work.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 16% job growth, the market will expand. The push for digital transformation in healthcare (Baylor) and education (KISD) will create demand. The defense sector will remain the largest employer. To advance, you must be proactive about learning (online courses, certs) and network at local tech meetups (check Meetup.com for Killeen/Central Texas groups).

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extreme affordability. Your $90,468 salary gives you a life you can't get in Austin.	Limited tech community. Fewer conferences, meetups, and networking events.
Stable employers. Fort Cavazos, healthcare, and schools offer job security.	Lower salary ceiling. Top-end pay is capped unless you get a clearance or go remote.
Short commutes. 15-20 minutes is the norm, not an hour.	Cultural & social scene is thin. You'll drive to Austin (1.5 hrs) for big concerts or events.
No state income tax. Boosts your take-home pay significantly.	Heavy military influence. The culture is tied to the base; it can feel transient.
Great for families. Safe, good schools, affordable homes.	Remote work skepticism. Some local managers are old-school about "face time."

Final Recommendation: Killeen is an excellent choice for a mid-career web developer prioritizing financial stability and homeownership. It's a place to build a calm, comfortable life without the stress of a high-cost city. If you're ambitious and want to be at the cutting edge of tech, it's a stepping stone—use the low cost of living to save money while you build skills for a move later. If you value work-life balance, affordability, and a straightforward career, Killeen is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Can I find a job in Killeen without a security clearance?
A: Yes, absolutely. Over half of the web dev jobs here (schools, healthcare, local agencies) don't require one. The clearance is mainly for defense contractors. You can have a full career here without it.

Q: How does the military presence affect the tech job market?
A: It creates stability and a consistent demand for IT services, but it can also mean slower hiring processes and a more conservative tech stack (older, proven technologies over cutting-edge ones).

Q: Is it easy to network as a remote worker in Killeen?
A: It's challenging locally but manageable. Join online groups for Texas-based developers. Consider driving to Austin for monthly tech events—many Killeen devs do this. Your best local network will be through work, not social tech events.

Q: What's the single biggest challenge for web devs in Killeen?
A: Career advancement. If you hit a ceiling here, you may need to go remote to a coastal company or get a federal clearance. The local market is stable but not deep.

Q: Should I move to Killeen before I have a job?
A: Not recommended. The job market is smaller, and you could be looking for months. Try to secure a remote or local offer first. However, if you're willing to take a contract or junior role, the affordability makes a "move and then look" strategy less risky than in expensive cities.

(Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Killeen-Temple metropolitan area. Cost of living index from BestPlaces.net. Housing data from local MLS and rental listings.)