Salaries in Plano, TX

You might think Plano’s just another sprawling Dallas suburb, but it’s actually a corporate heavyweight with a surprising number of software developers earning more than the national average for that role. What’s less obvious is how that high income interacts with a cost of living that’s barely above the national average, creating a distinct financial reality for its residents.

Plano’s cost of living index sits at 103.3, just 3.3% over the U.S. average. That might sound negligible, but when you pair it with a median household income of $108,594, you get real purchasing power. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,291 a month, which feels manageable on those salaries. It’s not a bargain like a Midwest city, but it’s far from the financial strain you’d face in Austin or Boston on a similar wage. You’re not getting rich off cheap rent here, but your paycheck stretches further than you’d expect.

The economy revolves around tech, finance, and professional services. Toyota’s massive North American headquarters is here, along with a huge slice of the telecom corridor. This is why software developers are the city’s top earners, commanding $128,519. But it’s not just tech bros; accountants at major firms and even skilled trades like electricians do well, with the latter pulling in over $62,000. The city’s educated workforce—over 60% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—feeds directly into these high-skill, high-pay roles.

Here’s my honest take: while the numbers look good, wages haven’t kept pace with the rapid cost increases of the last few years. That 103.3 index is up from a few years ago, and it’s a squeeze for anyone not in a top-tier field. This city works best for dual-income households or professionals in tech and finance. For everyone else, it’s a solid, stable place, but you’ll need to budget carefully.

The data below breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn in Plano’s key jobs, both in raw dollars and adjusted for what it actually costs to live here.