What this means Our calculation
0 of 27 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is electrical lineworkers at $80,610. Prices run 7% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is about the same as most metros (4.0%) and the population is growing faster than most (+4.2% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Waco Government data
All 27 trades
Vs. U.S. compares with the typical metro for that trade. Jobs are employment estimates, not open positions. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Vs. U.S. | Real pay | Jobs | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Lineworker | $80,610 | -17% | $87,099 | 110 | #185 |
| Construction Supervisor | $66,290 | -14% | $71,626 | 750 | #339 |
| Building Inspector | $59,240 | -12% | $64,009 | 140 | #291 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $57,900 | -4% | $62,561 | 300 | #272 |
| Plumber | $57,550 | -6% | $62,183 | 490 | #277 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $57,120 | -11% | $61,718 | 410 | #356 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $56,770 | -9% | $61,340 | 100 | #281 |
| HVAC Technician | $55,860 | -6% | $60,357 | 440 | #278 |
| Machinist | $50,380 | -12% | $54,435 | 250 | #286 |
| Drywall Installer | $49,160 | -9% | $53,117 | 130 | #109 |
| Roofer | $49,000 | -2% | $52,944 | 200 | #159 |
| Electrician | $48,880 | -22% | $52,815 | 650 | #364 |
| Flooring Installer | $48,630 | -13% | $52,545 | 70 | #55 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $47,820 | -7% | $51,669 | 150 | #288 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $47,730 | -20% | $51,572 | 470 | #335 |
| Carpenter | $47,340 | -16% | $51,151 | 420 | #335 |
| Maintenance Technician | $47,110 | -3% | $50,902 | 1,380 | #238 |
| Auto Mechanic | $46,790 | -4% | $50,556 | 730 | #298 |
| Welder | $46,380 | -11% | $50,113 | 630 | #351 |
| Ironworker | $45,590 | -29% | $49,260 | 50 | #149 |
| Painter | $45,560 | -4% | $49,227 | 230 | #254 |
| Paving Equipment Operator | $45,230 | -9% | $48,871 | 70 | #129 |
| Concrete Finisher | $44,430 | -22% | $48,006 | 260 | #308 |
| Hazmat Removal Worker | $40,130 | -17% | $43,360 | 50 | #122 |
| Construction Laborer | $37,610 | -20% | $40,637 | 1,220 | #349 |
| Pest Control Technician | $36,420 | -18% | $39,352 | 70 | #224 |
| Landscaper | $36,260 | -3% | $39,179 | 720 | #283 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in Waco
The Waco area has about 128,431 homes. 44% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is about as old as most; 19% were built in 2010 or later. 63% of households own their home, and the median home value is $277,100.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
4.0% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Waco area's population grew 4.2% from 2020 to 2025 (296,386 → 308,807), ranking #119 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). People moving in (net +9,813) account for most of the change.
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in Waco are up 32% from 2021 to 2025 (1,107 → 1,460). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Waco area is 21 minutes each way, shorter than the typical metro (24 min). 7% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 77% drive alone, 0% take transit and 9% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Texas Official source
The main state licensing office in Texas is the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Texas licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Nearby metros
Compare any trade in two cities with city vs. city, or see every metro in Texas.