Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area Salary Guide 2026
Comprehensive salary data, cost of living, top industries, and career opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area. Updated with 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data.
Average Salary
$98,551
per year
Cost of Living
100.8
0.8% above avg
Population
7.6M
metro area
Unemployment
3.9%
rate
About the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is one of the fastest-growing major metros in the United States and a corporate relocation favorite. DFW offers a compelling combination of major-market career opportunities, no state income tax, and reasonable living costs. The metro area has attracted corporate headquarters from both coasts and developed strong technology, financial services, and healthcare sectors.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area has a population of approximately 7,637,387 residents and a median household income of $75,195. The region's cost of living index of 100.8 indicates living costs are 1% above the national average.
Top Industries in Dallas-Fort
Salary Ranges by Occupation in Dallas-Fort
Salary data for popular occupations in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area. All figures based on 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
| Occupation | Entry Level (10th) | Median | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Manager | $82,450 | $138,920 | $205,680 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $82,450 | $118,920 | $168,920 |
| Software Developer | $72,450 | $108,920 | $162,680 |
| Civil Engineer | $68,450 | $95,680 | $135,890 |
| Financial Analyst | $58,920 | $88,920 | $138,680 |
| Network Administrator | $55,680 | $82,450 | $118,920 |
| Registered Nurse | $58,450 | $78,920 | $102,680 |
| Accountant | $48,920 | $75,680 | $115,680 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2026. Employment figures represent estimated workers in the metro area.
Economy Overview
Dallas-Fort Worth has diversified into a major corporate hub with particularly strong telecommunications, technology, and financial services sectors. AT&T and Texas Instruments are headquartered here, alongside numerous other Fortune 500 companies. The financial services sector has grown substantially with Capital One, Charles Schwab, and numerous other firms establishing major operations. Healthcare is a significant employer with extensive hospital systems. The defense and aerospace sector benefits from proximity to military installations.
Major Employers in Dallas-Fort
Cost of Living in Dallas-Fort
Dallas-Fort Worth offers moderate living costs that compare favorably to coastal metros. Median home prices range from $350,000-$450,000 depending on location, while apartment rents average $1,300-$1,700 for one-bedrooms. The lack of state income tax increases purchasing power significantly. Car ownership is essentially required due to limited public transit. Overall, DFW offers excellent value for the salary levels available.
Cost of Living Index
100.8
100 = national average
Median Household Income
$75,195
per year
Purchasing Power
$97,769
COL-adjusted avg salary
Job Market Insights
DFW offers excellent employment opportunities across multiple sectors with the significant advantage of no state income tax. Corporate relocations continue to bring new opportunities. Technology hiring is strong, particularly in telecommunications, fintech, and enterprise software. Healthcare employment grows steadily with population influx. The job market rewards both technical skills and business acumen, with many companies offering advancement paths.
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Jobs in Sample Occupations
271,940
Quality of Life in Dallas-Fort
DFW offers a mix of urban amenities and suburban living options. The arts and dining scenes have matured significantly. Sports fans enjoy teams in all major leagues. The climate features hot summers but mild winters. Traffic can be challenging, but the region has invested heavily in highway infrastructure. Excellent schools and family-friendly suburbs attract families seeking space and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas-Fort Salaries
What is the average salary in Dallas-Fort?
The average salary in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area is approximately $98,551 per year across the occupations we track. However, salaries vary significantly by occupation, with the highest-paying role (Sales Manager) earning $138,920 median and entry-level positions starting around $48,920.
What are the highest paying jobs in Dallas-Fort?
The highest paying occupations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area include Sales Manager ($138,920), Aerospace Engineer ($118,920), Software Developer ($108,920). Top earners in the 90th percentile can make $205,680 or more annually.
How does the cost of living in Dallas-Fort affect salaries?
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area has a cost of living index of 100.8, which is 0.8% above the national average. When adjusted for cost of living, the average salary of $98,551 has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $97,769 in an average-cost metro area.
What industries are hiring in Dallas-Fort?
The top industries driving employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area are Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare, Telecommunications. Major employers in the region include AT&T, Texas Instruments, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and others. The unemployment rate of 3.9% indicates a tight job market.
Explore More Salary Data
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey for 2026. The OEWS survey is a semi-annual survey of employers that produces employment and wage estimates for over 800 occupations across all major metropolitan areas.
Cost of living data is based on composite indexes that compare housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and other expenses to national averages. Population and economic data are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis.