Salaries in Killeen, TX
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 40 occupations · BLS + Census data
Most people assume Killeen is just a military town, but the secret is how far a software developer's paycheck actually stretches here. You can make six figures and live like a king, which feels a little unfair if you’re moving from a coastal city.
Let's talk real purchasing power. Killeen’s cost of living sits at 91.8, meaning you get about 9% more for your money than the national average. That median household income of $60,067 feels tight, but it’s a different story for the top earners. A software developer’s $124,129 salary, adjusted for local costs, has the buying power of $135,217 nationally. That’s a serious chunk of change when a one-bedroom apartment averages $900 a month.
The economy here orbits Fort Hood, which means stability but also a ceiling. Healthcare and logistics are huge, but the real money is in the professions that support the base and the growing tech sector. You see it in the top-paying jobs: marketing managers and project managers are pulling in six figures, too. It’s a blue-collar city with white-collar salaries for the right people.
Here’s the honest catch: the average salary across all roles is $67,403. If you’re not in one of those top fields, you might feel the squeeze as home prices creep up. This city works fantastically for skilled professionals, especially those with a bachelor's degree (only 24.2% have one), but it’s a tougher climb for everyone else.
The numbers below will show you exactly where the opportunity lies and who’s getting paid what in 2026.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Killeen
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 40 Occupations in Killeen
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (92/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Killeen
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Killeen?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Killeen. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Killeen Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Killeen Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Killeen is a surprisingly strong play if you know how to work it. The cost of living sits at 91.8, and with rent around $900, your paycheck stretches further than in most Texas cities. The $67,403 average salary doesn’t sound flashy, but it goes a long way here.
Marketing Managers clearly win, with a COL-adjusted salary of nearly $167,500. But the real winners are healthcare workers and skilled trades—steady demand, lower living costs, and solid pay. Tech is trickier; you’ll need a remote role or a job in a nearby metro to maximize earnings.
My verdict? If you want financial breathing room and job stability, Killeen is worth it. Just don’t expect big-city amenities. If you move here, lock in housing early and negotiate remote work days—you’ll get the best of both worlds.