Headed to the Big D for a defense job? There are several reasons cleared professionals should consider career options in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Long known as a leader in commercial and military aviation, Naval Air Station Fort Worth is a joint military base just outside of Fort Worth. Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron, Raytheon, and L3Harris all have a presence in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. If you love the sound of freedom, in Dallas/Fort Worth you’re surrounded by the companies manufacturing the best in military aviation, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Overview of Dallas/Fort Worth
Dallas/Fort Worth is one of the largest metros in the country, and in addition to its defense industry, has a strong commercial presence, including Southwest Airlines, AT&T, and ExxonMobile. Government job opportunities include positions with the FBI, Customs and Border Patrol, Department of Homeland Security, and Veterans Administration. Over the past several years Dallas has ranked near the top of the list of cities with high job growth. In fact, when it comes to cleared cities far away from the beltway, Dallas and Atlanta share a lot in common – major cities in the South with significant career diversity, and slightly higher cost of living than the national average but significantly lower than Washington, D.C. or LA. Similarly, don’t move to Dallas if you’re looking to beat traffic – rapid growth and growing career prospects mean more cars on the road, as well.
Benefits of Working in Dallas/Fort Worth
For cleared professionals relocating from the coasts, Dallas can offer financial perks. The city offers higher-than-average salaries and no state income tax. The city offers a lot to do, from taking in a Dallas Cowboys football game (they’re America’s team, after all!), to eating tasty Tex-Mex. For a major metro, Dallas/Fort Worth has some great public school options, as well.
Industries and Jobs to Watch
Tech, defense, aviation and aerospace all reign in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. Raytheon is one of the region’s largest employers, with 7,800 employees in the region, including locations in McKinney and Richardson. The Telecom Corridor is also located in Richardson. While commercial aerospace has taken a major hit in response to the coronavirus, military aerospace and aviation programs are moving forward. The F-35 has not been without criticism, but new planes continue to be built, both for the U.S. and overseas market.
Career options in Dallas/Fort Worth range from industry and IT to flight simulation and general counsel. Think of a cleared job, and there is probably a company hiring for it in the Dallas, Fort Worth region.
Dallas/Fort Worth 411
| Population | 6.8 million (metro area); 1,382,267 in the city (9th largest U.S. city) |
|---|---|
| Housing Cost | The median rental cost is just under $1,000/month, and the median house values around $170,000. Of course, costs will vary depending on the area that you pick. |
| Typical Weather | From June to September, the average high is 88°F and average low of 77°F. The cold season runs from November to February, with an average high of 64°F and average low of 37°F. As with everything, Texans would say they have it all – even with their weather. Many moderate days, along with the occasional snowstorm, and lots of hot and muggy days. |
| Cleared Employers to Watch | Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, Raytheon |
| Highlighted Job | Cleared Linguist/Translator – if you have language skills, especially Chinese and Russian, but you crave a southern pace, the Dallas/Ft. Worth area could be the place for you. |
