Houston Salaries 2026: $82,254 Average
How much do jobs pay in Houston? Compare 80+ occupation salaries from $33,795 to $233,538. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area.
Quick Links: Top Paying Jobs in Houston
Average Salary
$82,254
across all occupations
Highest Paying Job
$233,538
Physician
Occupations Covered
80
jobs with salary data
Cost of Living: Houston, TX has a cost of living that is 3.5% below the national average. Consider this when comparing salaries.
Salaries in Houston, TX by Occupation
About Working in Houston, TX
The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area is the fifth-largest in the United States and the second-largest in Texas. Known as the energy capital of the world, Houston has diversified into healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, and technology while maintaining its dominance in oil and gas. The combination of no state income tax, low cost of living, and high salaries makes Houston extremely attractive for career growth.
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average salary across all occupations in Houston, TX is $82,254 per year. Salaries range from $33,795 for Childcare Workers to $233,538 for Physicians. The metropolitan area employs approximately 54,042 workers across the 80 occupations we track.
Houston, TX Economy Overview
Houston's economy, historically dominated by energy, has evolved into a diverse powerhouse. The city is home to the world's largest concentration of energy companies, the Texas Medical Center (the world's largest medical complex), NASA's Johnson Space Center, and one of the busiest ports in the country. Manufacturing, international trade, and professional services round out the economic base.
Major Industries in Houston, TX
The Houston, TX job market is driven by these key industries:
Cost of Living Considerations
Houston offers one of the most favorable cost-of-living-to-salary ratios among major U.S. metros. Housing is significantly more affordable than coastal cities, and Texas has no state income tax. Combined with high salaries in energy, healthcare, and engineering, Houston professionals often enjoy greater purchasing power than their counterparts in higher-cost cities.
Cost of Living Index: 96.5(3.5% below national average)
Job Market Insights
Houston's job market remains strong despite energy sector volatility, thanks to economic diversification. Healthcare offers stable, high-paying opportunities at the Texas Medical Center and numerous hospital systems. Engineering and technical roles are abundant across energy, aerospace, and manufacturing. The city's international character creates opportunities for multilingual professionals.
Quality of Life in Houston, TX
Houston offers world-class dining, diverse cultural attractions, professional sports, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city is remarkably diverse with large international communities. Hot, humid weather and occasional flooding from hurricanes are considerations. However, affordable housing, career opportunities, and no state income tax make Houston compelling for those seeking to maximize their career and financial potential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salaries in Houston, TX
What is the average salary in Houston, TX?
The average salary across all occupations in Houston, TX is approximately $82,254 per year. However, salaries vary significantly by occupation, experience level, and industry.
What are the highest paying jobs in Houston, TX?
The highest paying occupation in Houston, TX based on our data is Physician with an average salary of $233,538 per year. Other high-paying occupations can be found in the salary table above.
How does the cost of living affect salaries in Houston, TX?
With a cost of living 3.5% below the national average, salaries in Houston, TX may go further than in higher-cost areas. This can provide better overall value for workers.
Is Houston, TX a good place to find a job?
Houston, TX offers diverse employment opportunities across multiple industries. With 54,042 workers employed across the occupations we track, the metropolitan area has a substantial job market. Your prospects will depend on your industry, skills, and experience level.
Cost of Living in Houston, TX
Salary is just one factor. Also consider these important aspects of living in Houston, TX:
Popular Job Salaries in Houston
Nearby Metro Areas to Houston
Compare salaries in cities near Houston, TX:
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Salary Comparison: High vs Entry-Level Jobs in Houston
| Job Title | Entry Level | Median | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician | $146,637 | $233,538 | $345,171 |
| Airline Pilot | $110,683 | $172,382 | $252,891 |
| Financial Manager | $113,278 | $168,775 | $239,730 |
| Dentist | $111,512 | $167,435 | $240,666 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $95,220 | $141,708 | $205,894 |
| Sales Manager | $90,968 | $140,653 | $203,828 |
| Lawyer | $94,530 | $140,249 | $198,837 |
| Pharmacist | $86,488 | $133,949 | $200,567 |