Salaries in Temple, TX

If you think small-town Texas means small paychecks, you haven’t met Temple. The median household income here is nearly $75,000—higher than many larger cities—and the unemployment rate sits at a healthy 4.0%. It’s a quiet economic outlier.

The real story, though, is purchasing power. With a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (well below the national 100), that $75k median income stretches. Your $900 one-bedroom rent is a prime example. The COL-adjusted average salary here jumps to $73,802 from a nominal $67,751, meaning your paycheck buys significantly more than it would in, say, Austin or Dallas. It’s a genuine bargain for the quality of life.

Who’s thriving? The economy is anchored by healthcare giants like Baylor Scott & White and a growing logistics sector. You’ll also find solid demand for skilled trades and tech, though the city’s education rate (27.8% with a bachelor’s) suggests there’s room for growth in white-collar roles. Marketing managers and pharmacists top the pay charts, but there’s real opportunity in construction and project management.

Here’s the honest catch: while the cost-of-living advantage is real, wage growth has been modest. It’s a fantastic spot for mid-career professionals, remote workers, or anyone in healthcare or trades looking to maximize savings. If you’re a young software developer chasing Silicon Valley salaries, you might feel the gap.

The numbers below tell the full story—break down the top-paying jobs, see how they adjust for cost, and decide if Temple’s math works for you.