Salaries in Mission, TX
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 40 occupations · BLS + Census data
You might assume a border city like Mission, Texas, is a low-wage town. You'd be wrong. The real story here isn’t about scarcity; it’s about a surprising concentration of high-earning professionals who’ve figured out how to live very well.
Mission’s cost of living index sits at 85.6, meaning your dollar stretches nearly 15% further than the national average. A median household income of $60,512 here feels like $70,000 elsewhere. The proof is in the rent—a one-bedroom apartment averages just $781 a month. That’s not a typo. For many, it’s a direct path to building savings, not just covering expenses.
Who’s earning that premium? The data points to a few key sectors. Marketing managers, pharmacists, and software developers top the list, pulling in six-figure salaries that get a massive boost from the low cost of living. I was frankly surprised to see software developers earning over $120,000 here; that’s not a typical border-town profile. These roles often support the region’s healthcare systems, a growing logistics network, and a surprising amount of remote tech work.
But here’s the honest catch: the average salary across all roles is $66,458. While that COL-adjusted number feels like $77,639, it still lags behind the top-tier earners. Wage growth has been steady, but not explosive. This city works best for skilled professionals in high-demand fields, or for anyone who can secure a remote job with a coastal salary. For everyone else, it’s affordable, but the ceiling is real.
The numbers below will show you exactly where those opportunities are and what your earning potential could look like in Mission.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Mission
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 40 Occupations in Mission
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (86/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Mission
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Mission?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Mission. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Mission Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Mission Worth It?
Here’s my honest verdict: Mission, TX is a financial breath of fresh air if you’re making even close to the averages. With a cost-of-living index of 85.6 and rent averaging $781, your paycheck stretches further than it does in most of the country. The standout here is the Marketing Manager role, which, when adjusted for COL, feels like a $176K salary in a pricier market. Mission isn’t a tech hub, but it’s a goldmine for healthcare and trade workers who can command solid wages while living cheaply. If you’re considering the move, my advice is simple: secure the job before you move. While the math works, the local job market can be tight, so don’t bet on finding work after you arrive.