In Houston, TX, Data Scientists earn a median of $97,490 a year — about 18% below the U.S. median of $119,040. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #31.
What that pay is worth in Houston
Local prices run 99 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $104,040 salary is about break-even with the national average ($105,486 adjusted).
Can Data Scientists afford a home in Houston?
A typical Houston home runs about $253,400 — 2.4 times the average Data Scientist salary, very affordable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,313/mo takes roughly 15% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Data Scientist pay ladder in Houston
Entry-level (10th percentile) Data Scientists earn about $49,170; the top 10% reach $166,320 — a $117,150 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Data Scientist job market in Houston
Houston employs roughly 5,300 Data Scientists. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Houston with other cities
See the full Data Scientist salary by city ranking to weigh Houston against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Data Scientists make in Houston?
The average Data Scientist in Houston, TX earns about $104,040 per year, 12.6% below the national average of $119,040.
What is the take-home pay for Data Scientists in Houston after taxes?
After federal and TX taxes, this $104,040 salary is worth about $82,022 a year - roughly $6,835 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 21%.
What do the highest-paid Data Scientists earn in Houston?
The top 10% of Data Scientists in Houston earn about $166,320 a year, versus about $49,170 for the bottom 10%.
Can Data Scientists afford a home in Houston?
A typical Houston home runs about $253,400 - roughly 2.4x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.