Salaries in Longview, TX

Here’s a look at the pay in Longview, Texas, in 2026. You might not expect a city of 84,000 to punch above its weight, but in a few key fields, it does. The median household income sits at $57,211, which tells you this isn’t a place of extreme wealth. But look deeper, and you’ll find some surprising financial power.

The cost of living here is 88.4% of the national average. That’s a significant discount. A $67,000 average salary doesn’t sound like a fortune, but it feels more like $75,800 in purchasing power. That money stretches further than you think. A one-bedroom apartment rents for about $930 a month, which is manageable on those incomes. This isn’t a city where you’re constantly underwater; it’s one where a middle-class salary actually works.

Longview’s economy runs on the energy and manufacturing sectors. You’ll find major players like Eastman Chemical and a lot of oil and gas support services. The unemployment rate is a very healthy 4.0%. But the real story is the specialization. The top-paying jobs aren’t just in management; they’re in marketing, pharmaceuticals, and software. It’s a bit of a surprise to see a software developer pulling in a COL-adjusted $139,000 in East Texas, but that’s the reality of modern industry needs.

Here’s the honest catch: while the pay is good, the education levels lag. Only 21.4% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. That means there’s less competition for those high-skill, high-pay roles. Wages are keeping pace with the low cost of living, making it a hidden gem for skilled professionals. If you have a degree in a top field, your money goes a very long way here.

The data below breaks down the top-paying occupations and shows you exactly where your skills could take you, financially speaking.