Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Houston 2026

Quick Answer

About This Data Gap

As of April 2026, comprehensive salary data for machine learning engineers in Houston is not currently available in our database. This is not uncommon for specialized technical roles in specific metros, as:

1. BLS Data Lag: The Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey may not provide granular data for all occupational codes in all metropolitan areas annually
2. Occupational Classification: Machine learning engineers may be classified under broader categories like “Software Developers” (SOC 15-1252) or “Computer and Information Research Scientists” (SOC 15-2051) in official statistics
3. Regional Variation: Specialized tech roles often concentrate in major tech hubs, which can affect data availability for secondary markets

Alternative Data Sources

While we work to populate this page with verified data, consider these authoritative sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Search the OEWS database for “Software Developers, Applications” or “Computer and Information Research Scientists” in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metropolitan Statistical Area
• H-1B Disclosure Database: The Department of Labor maintains detailed salary information from employers sponsoring H-1B visa positions. Search for major tech companies with Houston offices
• Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Blind: Community-reported salary data from current and former employees at specific Houston tech employers
• LinkedIn Salary Tool: Aggregated compensation data filtered by role, location, and experience level

Houston Tech Market Context

Houston is home to a growing tech sector, with notable presence from:

• Energy sector technology companies
• Healthcare IT firms
• Aerospace and defense contractors
• Emerging startup ecosystems in areas like The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Katy

The Houston metropolitan area includes several suburban tech hubs:

• The Woodlands
• Sugar Land
• Katy
• Pasadena
• Pearland

Why This Matters for Your Career

Machine learning engineer roles are specialized positions that command premium compensation in most markets. When this data becomes available, we’ll provide:

• Percentile salary ranges (10th, 25th, median, 75th, 90th percentiles)
• Cost-of-living adjusted equivalents showing real purchasing power
• Comparison to national averages for context
• Top employer salary data from H-1B disclosures
• Historical trends showing how compensation has evolved
• Job outlook projections from the Department of Labor

Frequently Asked Questions

When will machine learning engineer salary data for Houston be available?

We continuously update our salary database as new Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data is released and as H-1B Labor Condition Application data becomes available. Check back regularly, or use the BLS OEWS database directly to search for current data on software developers and computer research scientists in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA.

How do I find current salary data for machine learning engineers in Houston right now?

The most reliable current sources are: (1) The Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS database, searchable by occupation and metro area; (2) The Department of Labor’s H-1B Disclosure Database, which shows actual salaries offered by employers; (3) Community salary platforms like Levels.fyi and Blind, which aggregate anonymous reports from tech workers; and (4) Company-specific reviews on Glassdoor. Cross-referencing multiple sources gives you the most accurate picture.

How does Houston compare to other tech hubs for machine learning engineer salaries?

While specific Houston data is not currently available, machine learning engineers typically earn significantly more in major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Boston compared to secondary markets. Houston’s growing tech sector and lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs can make it an attractive option for engineers seeking both competitive compensation and affordability. Once data is available, we’ll provide exact comparisons.

What factors affect machine learning engineer salaries in Houston?

Key factors typically include: years of experience, educational background (advanced degrees in ML/AI command premiums), specific technical skills (deep learning, NLP, computer vision), company size and industry (energy tech, healthcare IT, and aerospace pay differently), and whether the role involves H-1B sponsorship (which requires prevailing wage compliance). Houston’s energy and healthcare sectors may offer different compensation profiles than pure software companies.

Should I negotiate salary as a machine learning engineer in Houston?

Yes. Machine learning is a specialized skill set with high demand. Before negotiating, research comparable positions using the sources listed above, understand your specific value (certifications, publications, past projects), and know the cost of living in your target Houston neighborhood. Having data-backed salary ranges from BLS and H-1B disclosures strengthens your negotiating position.

Where in the Houston area should I look for machine learning engineering jobs?

Beyond Houston proper, the surrounding metro includes significant tech employment in The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Pasadena, and Pearland. Each area may have different concentrations of employers (e.g., energy tech, healthcare IT, aerospace), so salary ranges may vary slightly by submarket. When data becomes available, we’ll provide location-specific breakdowns.

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Data source: This page is based on the latest available Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. Salary data was last requested on April 13, 2026, but complete figures for this specific role and location were not available at that time.

Disclaimer: Salary information provided is for informational purposes only and based on public sources. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, employer, negotiation, and market conditions. This is not financial or career advice. Always verify current data with official sources before making career decisions.