Data Scientist Salary in Houston 2025
Quick Answer
Data Scientist Salary in Houston: Full Breakdown
Based on BLS OEWS data from 2024, the Houston data scientist market shows a mean annual salary of $111,440. This figure is derived from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, which tracks employment and wages across detailed occupational categories.
For context, data scientists in Houston earn a respectable salary in the Texas tech market. The $111,440 annual mean translates to approximately $9,287 per month in gross income, or roughly $53.58 per hour (based on a standard 2,080-hour work year).
The Houston metropolitan area, which includes suburbs like The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Pasadena, and Pearland, serves as a major employment hub for data science professionals. The region’s energy sector, healthcare systems, and growing tech companies create consistent demand for data-driven decision makers.
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Learn More →How Houston Compares to the National Market
Houston’s data scientist salary of $111,440 positions the city competitively within the Texas job market. The Houston MSA benefits from a lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, which means the purchasing power of this salary is notably higher than the raw number might suggest.
The city’s strength in energy, petrochemicals, aerospace, and healthcare creates specialized demand for data scientists with domain expertise. Companies like ExxonMobil, Shell, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and the Texas Medical Center regularly hire data science talent, contributing to wage stability in the region.
Cost of Living Context
Houston offers a favorable cost-of-living environment for data scientists compared to other major U.S. tech markets. The city has no state income tax in Texas, which provides immediate take-home benefit for all earners. With an average monthly gross income of approximately $9,287 for data scientists, the cost-of-living advantage becomes a meaningful factor in career decisions.
Housing costs in the Houston metropolitan area are significantly lower than in competing tech markets. The broader Houston region, including suburbs like Sugar Land and The Woodlands, offers options for different lifestyle preferences and budget levels. Renters and homebuyers both benefit from relative affordability compared to coastal alternatives.
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Learn More →Job Outlook for Data Scientists in Houston
The data science field continues to experience strong growth nationally. Data scientists are increasingly essential across industries—from energy companies optimizing production to healthcare organizations improving patient outcomes. Houston’s diverse economic base means data science roles span multiple sectors, providing career stability and advancement opportunities.
The skill set required for data science roles typically includes:
- Programming languages: Python, R, SQL
- Statistical analysis and modeling
- Machine learning frameworks
- Data visualization and communication
- Domain knowledge (varies by industry)
Entry-level positions often require a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or engineering. Many professionals pursue advanced credentials like a master’s degree in data science or related fields, or industry certifications in machine learning and cloud platforms.
Factors Affecting Data Scientist Salaries in Houston
Several variables influence individual compensation within the Houston market:
Experience Level: Entry-level data scientists typically earn less than the mean, while senior practitioners and those with specialized expertise command higher salaries.
Industry Sector: Salaries vary by employer type. Energy companies, financial services, and healthcare organizations may offer different compensation packages based on industry profitability and competition for talent.
Company Size: Larger corporations and established tech firms often have more structured salary bands, while startups may offer equity compensation to offset lower base salaries.
Specialized Skills: Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), advanced machine learning, or domain-specific knowledge can justify premium compensation.
Education and Certifications: Advanced degrees and recognized certifications can positively influence salary negotiations.
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FAQ
What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Houston?
Entry-level data scientists in Houston typically earn below the $111,440 mean, often ranging from $75,000 to $90,000 annually depending on education level and prior experience. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field may start at the lower end, while those with a master’s degree or relevant internship experience often command higher starting offers. The Houston market is competitive enough that strong candidates with portfolio projects or relevant internships can negotiate above the entry-level baseline.
How does Houston’s data scientist salary compare to other major U.S. tech markets?
Houston’s $111,440 mean salary is competitive when adjusted for cost of living. Coastal tech hubs like San Francisco and New York offer higher nominal salaries but require significantly higher living expenses—particularly housing costs. Houston’s lack of state income tax provides an additional financial advantage. A data scientist earning $111,440 in Houston typically has greater purchasing power and savings capacity than a peer earning $130,000-$150,000 in high-cost markets, making Houston an attractive option for those prioritizing financial stability and quality of life.
Is it worth relocating to Houston for a data scientist position?
Houston presents a compelling relocation opportunity for data scientists, particularly those currently in high-cost areas or early in their careers. The city offers competitive salaries, no state income tax, abundant job opportunities across diverse industries, and a lower cost of living. The presence of major employers like ExxonMobil, Shell, and the Texas Medical Center provides career stability and advancement paths. For professionals seeking to maximize savings while building expertise in energy, healthcare, or aerospace sectors, Houston represents a strategic career move.
What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Houston?
Data scientists with expertise in specialized areas typically earn above the $111,440 mean. High-demand skills include cloud platform expertise (AWS, Azure, GCP), advanced machine learning and deep learning, big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop), and domain knowledge in energy or healthcare. Leadership abilities—including the capacity to mentor junior analysts and communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders—also correlate with higher compensation. Professionals who combine technical depth with business acumen and communication skills position themselves for premium salaries in Houston’s competitive market.
What education do I need to become a data scientist in Houston?
Most data scientist positions in Houston require at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, or a related quantitative field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in data science, statistics, or computer science, which typically takes 2 years to complete. Alternatively, candidates with bachelor’s degrees can enter the field through bootcamps, online certifications, or by building strong portfolios demonstrating practical skills. The most competitive candidates combine formal education with hands-on experience through internships, personal projects, or contributions to open-source work.
How often do data scientist salaries increase in Houston?
While specific Houston-market salary growth data is not available in the current dataset, data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational categories nationally. Professionals typically see salary increases through promotions, job changes, or skill development. In Houston’s competitive market, gaining specialized expertise or moving into senior or leadership roles can result in salary increases of 10-20% or more. Staying current with emerging technologies and industry trends helps professionals maintain competitive compensation throughout their careers.
Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC Code 15-2051 (Data Scientists). Data fetched April 10, 2026.
This article is informational and based on publicly available salary data. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, employer, experience, and market conditions. Not financial or career advice.