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Military Enlisted Salary in McAllen, TX β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for McAllen's cost of living (index: 81). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in McAllen β€” Key Numbers

$33,210
Median Salary
$23,895
25th Percentile
$46,008
75th Percentile
$59,940
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-19.0%
McAllen median household income$44,000
vs. City household income-24.5%

Cost of Living in McAllen

Cost of Living Index
81(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$880/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio31.8%
Annual rent cost$10,560
Median Home Price$185,000
Home Price / Salary5.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$37,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in McAllen

6.8%
Unemployment Rate
900,000
Metro Population
21 min
Avg Commute
29.4
Median Age

McAllen has a metro population of 900,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.8% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in McAllen, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in McAllen is $33,210 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by McAllen's cost of living index (81). The typical salary range runs from $23,895 (25th percentile) to $46,008 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $59,940.

Is McAllen affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $33,210 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in McAllen would spend approximately 31.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($880/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $185,000 is 5.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to McAllen's overall income?

McAllen's median household income is $44,000. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $33,210 earns 24.5% less than the typical McAllen household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that McAllen has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.