Salaries in Bryan, TX

Here’s the thing about Bryan: you can make a six-figure salary and still feel like you’re winning. The city’s top-paying jobs—like a marketing manager pulling in $153,222—have a purchasing power that’s closer to $169,000 nationally. That’s not a typo. With a cost of living index of 90.7, your paycheck stretches further here than in most places.

Let’s talk real numbers. The median household income is $53,006, but the average salary across all roles is $67,521. After adjusting for the local cost of living, that average jumps to $74,445. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,015 a month. That’s not cheap, but it’s a far cry from the brutal rents in Austin or Dallas. For a software developer making $123,709, that COL adjustment means their salary feels like $136,394. It’s a solid deal if you’re in the right field.

So who’s thriving here? The data points to a few clear winners. Healthcare and education are huge, anchored by the giant Baylor Scott & White Health system and Texas A&M University. Construction is still strong, and you see it in the $105,190 salary for construction managers. The city’s 4.0% unemployment rate is tight, but notice the education gap: only 28.3% of folks have a bachelor’s degree or higher. That means there’s real demand for skilled professionals, especially in tech and management.

Here’s my honest take: Bryan isn’t a secret anymore. The cost of living is creeping up, and wages for average workers aren’t keeping pace with the national surge. But if you have the skills for one of those top jobs, this place is a financial sweet spot. You get a lower stress, smaller-city feel without sacrificing major earning potential.

The numbers below will show you exactly where the opportunities—and the gaps—are.