Salaries in Tyler, TX

Here’s the thing about Tyler: you might not expect a East Texas city of 110,000 to be a hidden hotspot for software developers, but the data shows they’re earning a COL-adjusted $134,587 here. That’s a number that would get you a cramped one-bedroom in Austin, not a comfortable life. It’s a surprising fact in a city better known for its roses and its hospital system.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. Tyler’s cost of living index sits at 92.4, meaning your dollar stretches about 7.6% further than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment runs you about $1,009 a month. The median household income is $68,441, and the average salary across all roles is $67,528. When you adjust for that lower cost, the average take-home feels more like $73,082. It’s not a bargain-basement price, but it’s a solid deal if you’re in the right field.

Who are those fields? Tyler’s economy is anchored by healthcare—Christus Health and UT Health East Texas are massive employers—and by education at Tyler Junior College and UT Tyler. But the top-paying jobs reveal a modern twist. Marketing managers and construction managers do well, but it’s the software developers and pharmacists who see the highest adjusted earnings. If you’re in tech, you can command a high salary while paying less for housing than your peers in major metros.

Here’s the honest catch: wages aren’t exploding. The unemployment rate is a healthy 4.0%, but with only 29.4% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, there’s a ceiling on earning potential for some. The city works best for skilled professionals in healthcare, tech, or management who can leverage the low COL. If you’re in a field that doesn’t crack the top-paying list, you might find the pay lags behind the cost of living creep.

The data below will unpack who’s winning, who’s just getting by, and whether Tyler’s salary story is a good fit for your wallet.