City salary report

Average salaries in Houston, TX

Houston is dominated by energy, healthcare and aerospace. Texas has no state income tax, which boosts effective take-home pay vs coastal cities. The 20 jobs below average about $104,000 per year in Houston — cost-of-living index 96.

Metro population
2,320,268
COL index
96
(US avg = 100)
Avg job pays
$104,000
BLS metro code
26420

Salary by job in Houston

JobMedian
Dentist$177,700View →
Marketing Manager$162,800View →
Sales Manager$140,600View →
Product Manager$138,200View →
Pharmacist$138,100View →
Software Engineer$137,600View →
HR Manager$135,200View →
Financial Advisor$103,600View →
Project Manager$102,500View →
Civil Engineer$99,700View →
UX Designer$95,600View →
Data Analyst$89,600View →
Registered Nurse$89,500View →
Accountant$81,100View →
Freelance Writer$76,100View →
Teacher$66,200View →
Electrician$64,100View →
Plumber$64,000View →
Graphic Designer$61,300View →
Real Estate Agent$56,500View →

Similar cities to compare

FAQ — Houston salaries

What is the average salary in Houston, TX?+

Across the 20 most common jobs we track, the average median salary in Houston is around $104,000 per year. Pay varies significantly by occupation, with Dentists earning the most at $177,700.

Which job pays the most in Houston?+

Of the jobs we cover, Dentist is the highest-paying at a median of $177,700 per year in Houston.

Is Houston a high cost-of-living city?+

Houston has a cost-of-living index of 96 (vs the US average of 100). That's below the national average, giving residents better purchasing power.

Does TX have a state income tax?+

Texas has no state income tax — which boosts take-home pay significantly vs cities in California or New York.

Run the numbers for your job in Houston

Use our free paycheck calculator to see exactly what your take-home pay would look like.

Paycheck calculator →

Stay Ahead With RealProfits

Get practical insights, new tools, and smarter ways to think about money, work, and your future.