Salary & Cost of Living in Harker Heights, TX
Harker Heights, TX: $48,251 median salary, cost of living index 83.5, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$48,251
$23/hr
Cost of Living
83.5
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.3%
rate
Harker Heights, TX Overview
Population
32,734
Median Salary
$48,251
Average Salary
$54,041
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$284,000
Median Rent
$1,152/mo
Job Growth
+0.6%
Sales Tax
6.25%
Harker Heights is located in Texas with a population of 32,734. The median household salary is $48,251 per year ($23/hour), which is $11,133 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.6%.
Harker Heights Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Harker Heights, TX based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $48,251 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $29,916 | $14.38/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $48,251 | $23.20/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $68,516 | $32.94/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $85,887 | $41.30/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Harker Heights Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Harker Heights, TX, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$40,808
$3,400.68/month · $1,569.55/biweekly · Effective Rate: 15.4%
Gross Pay
$48,251
Federal Tax
-$3,752
State Tax
$0
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,691
Net Pay
$40,808
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,020.92 | $48,251.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$312.64 | -$3,751.62 |
| Texas State Tax (0%) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$249.30 | -$2,991.56 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$58.30 | -$699.64 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,400.68 | $40,808.18 |
Salary Comparison: Harker Heights vs Other Cities
See how Harker Heights's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harker Heights, TX | $48,251 | 83.5 | $57,786 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Cooper City, FL | $48,256 | 96.2 | $50,162 |
| North Miami Beach, FL | $48,270 | 92.9 | $51,959 |
| Abington, PA | $48,206 | 96.9 | $49,748 |
| Downers Grove, IL | $48,194 | 84.3 | $57,170 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Harker Heights
Harker Heights's cost of living index is 83.5 (national average = 100). Living in Harker Heights is 16.5% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$284,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,152
Annual Rent Cost
$13,824
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $40,808 annual take-home pay in Harker Heights has the purchasing power of approximately $48,872 in an average-cost US area. Your $48,251 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Harker Heights
Harker Heights's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $48,251.
Salary Tips for Harker Heights Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Harker Heights has a cost of living 16.5% below the national average. A salary of $48,251 here has the purchasing power of about $57,786 in an average-cost area.
- No state income tax advantage. Texas has no state income tax, which means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket. Invest the savings in a Roth IRA or 401(k) for long-term growth.
- Research top industries. Harker Heights's top industries include Energy, Technology, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $48,251 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Harker Heights, TX?
The median salary in Harker Heights, TX is $48,251 per year, or $23 per hour. The average salary is $54,041. This is $11,133 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Harker Heights, TX?
Harker Heights's cost of living index is 83.5 (national average = 100), meaning it is 16.5% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $284,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,152.
What are the best industries in Harker Heights?
The top industries in Harker Heights, TX include Energy, Technology, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 0.6% and an unemployment rate of 3.3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $48,251.
How does Harker Heights's salary compare to other cities?
Harker Heights's median salary of $48,251 is 18.7% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 83.5), the real purchasing power is approximately $57,786.
What is the minimum wage in Harker Heights, TX?
The minimum wage in Harker Heights, TX is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.