Salaries in Denton, TX

You might assume a college town like Denton—with two universities anchoring its core—is a place where young grads struggle. You'd be wrong. The real story here isn't about low-wage service jobs; it's about a surprisingly robust professional class that's found a sweet spot. Denton’s population is now 158,361, and it’s punching above its weight.

Let's talk purchasing power. The cost of living sits at 103.3, just a hair above the national average. That $1,500 one-bedroom rent feels steep, but it’s a far cry from Austin or Dallas prices. With a median household income of $73,051, you're not drowning. The COL-adjusted average salary of $67,558 means your paycheck buys you a decent life here, not just survival. It's not a bargain, but it's a fair fight.

So who’s winning? That 43.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher points to the answer. This is a hub for education, healthcare, and a growing tech corridor. You'll find major employers like Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and a strong contingent of software developers serving the DFW metroplex. The top earners—marketing managers, pharmacists, software devs—are pulling in six figures that stretch surprisingly far in this North Texas market.

Here’s my honest take: wages aren't exploding, but they’re keeping pace. The 4.0% unemployment rate shows a tight, competitive job market. This city works well for professionals who can work remotely for Dallas salaries or those in the specific high-demand fields listed. It's less ideal if you're in a lower-wage industry and feeling that rent pinch.

The data below breaks down the top-paying jobs and what you can actually expect to take home.