Pasadena, Texas may not have the international name recognition of nearby Houston, but make no mistake—this city plays a vital role in the region’s economic engine. Located just southeast of Houston, Pasadena has long been considered a working-class stronghold, where industrial careers, skilled trades, and manufacturing jobs are central to everyday life.
If you’re considering a move to Pasadena or just curious about what people earn in this blue-collar powerhouse, this article breaks down the average salary, leading industries, and how income stacks up with cost of living in the area.
Pasadena, TX: A City Built on Industry
Pasadena is more than just a suburb of Houston—it’s one of the metro area’s most important industrial hubs. Its location near the Houston Ship Channel and Port of Houston gives the city strategic importance in shipping, oil, gas, and chemical manufacturing. These industries dominate the local economy and provide stable, well-paying jobs to thousands of residents.
Some of the city’s largest employers include:
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Chevron Phillips Chemical
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LyondellBasell
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INEOS Olefins & Polymers
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Pasadena Independent School District
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San Jacinto College
With its economy driven by these high-output sectors, Pasadena offers unique opportunities for workers with technical skills, certifications, and trade experience.
What’s the Average Salary in Pasadena, TX?
Based on the most recent estimates from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, ZipRecruiter, and Salary.com, the average annual salary in Pasadena, TX ranges from $56,000 to $65,000, depending on occupation and experience level.
Here’s a breakdown of salary figures to give you a clearer picture:
| Position | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Chemical Engineer | $90,000 – $120,000+ |
| Industrial Maintenance Technician | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Registered Nurse | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Welders/Pipefitters (Skilled Trade) | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Administrative/Office Roles | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| Retail and Service Workers | $25,000 – $38,000 |
The median household income in Pasadena is around $59,000, which is slightly below the U.S. median of about $70,000, but aligns with the city’s affordable cost of living. Many dual-income households can push their earnings well above the median threshold.
High-Paying Industries in Pasadena
Thanks to its strong industrial base, Pasadena is a city where hands-on, skilled work still pays off. Some of the highest-paying fields in the city include:
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Petrochemical and Refining: Engineers, process technicians, and plant operators can earn six-figure incomes, especially with overtime and certifications.
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Manufacturing and Fabrication: Welders, machinists, and mechanical technicians are in constant demand.
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Transportation and Logistics: Due to the proximity to the port, trucking, freight, and logistics coordinators earn competitive wages.
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Healthcare: Medical professionals, especially registered nurses and technicians, benefit from steady demand.
These sectors tend to reward experience and certifications, and the opportunity for overtime in industrial jobs can significantly boost annual earnings.
How Pasadena Compares to the Greater Houston Area
The Greater Houston area has an average salary range of $65,000 to $72,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While Pasadena trails slightly behind in average income, the gap is not large—especially when you factor in the city’s lower cost of living.
What helps Pasadena stand out is the value residents get from their salaries. Housing, for instance, is significantly more affordable than in Houston’s urban core.
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Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Pasadena: $950 – $1,200/month
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Average rent in central Houston (Midtown/Downtown): $1,400 – $1,800/month
This difference of several hundred dollars a month in rent alone allows Pasadena residents to save more or invest elsewhere, making their incomes stretch further.
Cost of Living in Pasadena, TX
Pasadena’s cost of living is about 9% lower than the national average. Here’s how it breaks down:
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Housing: 15–20% less than Houston’s core neighborhoods
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Groceries: Slightly below average
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Transportation: Affordable with good access to major highways
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Utilities: On par with state averages
Overall, while salaries may not reach Silicon Valley heights, they hold strong value relative to expenses in the area. For working-class families and skilled tradespeople, Pasadena is a place where a decent wage can still go a long way.
Is Pasadena Right for You?
If you’re looking for a place with:
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Steady job opportunities in industrial sectors
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A community with a strong work ethic
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Affordable housing near Houston
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Good local schools and community colleges
… then Pasadena might be the perfect fit. Especially for individuals pursuing careers in engineering, mechanics, construction, or logistics, this city offers a strong balance between income potential and cost of living.
For young professionals starting out, the chance to gain hands-on experience in key Texas industries is invaluable. For families, the modest but stable incomes make homeownership more accessible than in many nearby cities.
Final Thoughts: A Blue-Collar City with Real Earning Potential
Pasadena, TX doesn’t rely on tech giants or flashy start-ups to keep its economy moving. It’s a city built on industry, grit, and skilled labor—and that foundation has kept it resilient and dependable.
While average salaries in Pasadena may fall just below the national median, they are more than offset by the area’s lower living costs and strong job market. Whether you’re a seasoned technician, a healthcare professional, or someone just looking to build a life without breaking the bank, Pasadena offers a place to earn a solid living—and maybe even put a little away for the future.