Salaries in Irving, TX

Here’s an honest look at Irving’s job market in 2026, from someone who’s watched these numbers for years.

You might assume a city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is a bargain. Irving’s cost of living is only 3.3% above the national average, but its median household income—$79,335—is nearly 10% higher than the U.S. median. That’s a quiet win.

So, what’s your real purchasing power? Let’s be blunt: a 1BR apartment runs $1,291 a month. That’s steep, but the math works if you’re in the right role. The city’s average salary is $54,101. After adjusting for that 103.3 index, your effective buying power is closer to $52,373. For a software developer pulling $128,519, life here feels downright comfortable. For an elementary school teacher at $64,300, it’s a tighter squeeze.

Irving’s economy isn’t a secret; it’s anchored by corporate headquarters. You’ll find a solid tech corridor and a strong professional services scene. That’s why the top-paying jobs aren’t a surprise: software developers lead the pack, followed by accountants. The 4.0% unemployment rate and 42.3% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher tell you this is a skilled, competitive market.

Here’s my mild surprise: the wage growth for skilled trades is solid. Electricians here earn $62,159, which adjusts to over $60,000 in real terms. That’s not bad for a job you can’t outsource.

The catch? Wages are keeping pace with the cost of living, but they’re not outpacing it dramatically. This city works best for two groups: the college-educated professionals in tech and finance, and the skilled tradespeople who keep the lights on. If you’re in a lower-wage service role, you’ll feel the pinch of that $1,291 rent.

The data below breaks down exactly who gets paid what, and what your salary buys you on the ground.