Salaries in Laredo, TX

Here’s a little secret about Laredo that most salary reports won’t tell you: the city’s median income of $60,720 looks modest on paper, but when you factor in the cost of living, it buys you a lifestyle that feels a lot more middle-class than the numbers suggest. You’re not living paycheck to paycheck here—not if you’re smart about it.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. With a cost-of-living index of 87.8, your dollar stretches about 12% further than the national average. That $881 one-bedroom rent isn’t just affordable; it’s practically a time machine back to 2019 prices for most of the country. The COL-adjusted average salary of $75,825 feels like pulling in nearly $86,000 in a typical U.S. city. It’s a quiet bargain, especially if you work remotely for a company based elsewhere.

The economy here runs on cross-border trade and logistics. Laredo is a titan in trucking and warehousing, with giants like Union Pacific and the Laredo Port Authority anchoring thousands of jobs. You’ll also find a surprising number of corporate roles in healthcare and, yes, software development—driven by the tech needs of the massive import-export industry. It’s not a tech hub, but it’s hungry for talent.

Here’s my honest take: wages are stable, but they aren’t exploding. The 4% unemployment rate shows a tight job market, but don’t expect Silicon Valley-style salary jumps. The city works best for skilled professionals—like pharmacists or project managers—who can command top dollar while enjoying low housing costs. If you’re in marketing or software and can work remotely, you’ve basically found a financial sweet spot.

The data below breaks down who earns what, and which jobs give you the biggest edge in this uniquely positioned border city.