Salaries in Carrollton, TX

Carrollton’s biggest surprise isn’t what you earn; it’s what you can keep. In 2026, this city of 132,000 proves you don’t need to live in a tech megalopolis to build wealth. The secret here is the math.

With a cost of living index of 103.3, you’re paying about 3.3% more than the national average. It’s not cheap, but it’s not crushing either. Take a software developer’s $128,519 salary. After adjusting for local prices, its real purchasing power is a solid $124,413. A one-bedroom rent at $1,291 a month feels steep, but with a median household income of $93,937, it’s manageable for dual-income households. This isn’t a bargain basement city; it’s a sensible, middle-class stronghold.

Carrollton thrives on a mix of old-school industry and new-school tech. You’ll find a lot of accountants and software developers here, likely serving the corporate HQs along the I-35E corridor and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metro. It’s a city for the credentialed—44.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—which fuels those top-paying roles. The 4.0% unemployment rate shows the job market is tight but stable.

Here’s the honest catch: that average salary across all roles is just $54,101, a COL-adjusted $52,373. That’s a world away from the six-figure tech salaries. For a single person or a family on one average income, Carrollton can feel tight. But for skilled professionals in tech or finance, or for couples where both partners earn decent wages, this city offers a rare financial sweet spot. The data below will show you exactly where you fit in.