Salaries in Waco, TX

Let’s get one thing straight: Waco isn’t just a pit stop between Dallas and Austin. In 2026, with a 4.0% unemployment rate, it’s a surprisingly stable job market where you can actually build a life without the frantic hustle of bigger cities.

Here’s the math that matters. Waco’s cost of living sits at 90.8, meaning your dollar goes about 9% further than the national average. A median household income of $52,770 doesn’t sound like a headline, but when a one-bedroom apartment runs you about $1,011 a month, the numbers start to sing. You’re not just earning a salary; you’re buying breathing room that’s getting harder to find elsewhere.

So, who’s winning here? The economy is anchored by healthcare giants like Baylor Scott & White and the manufacturing muscle of companies like Mars Wrigley. But the top earners are often in roles that serve these pillars: marketing managers, pharmacists, and software developers. I was a bit surprised to see software developers cracking the top three, but it makes sense—someone has to build the digital tools for the logistics and healthcare industries booming here.

Now, the catch. Wages are solid, but they’re not always keeping pace with the slow creep of inflation, especially in housing. That said, for remote workers bringing in coastal salaries or skilled tradespeople in construction management, Waco is a financial sweet spot. You won’t get rich overnight, but you’ll likely live more comfortably than you would on the same pay in a major metro.

The data below breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn, both in raw numbers and adjusted for what your paycheck can actually buy in this Central Texas city.