Houston Market Data

Explore compensation benchmarks, tax liabilities, and cost of living adjustments for professionals in Houston.

About Houston

Energy majors, healthcare systems, and NASA suppliers support generous total compensation.

Houston represents a growing economic centerin United States, attracting professionals from around the world. The city's strategic location, business-friendly environment, and quality of life make it an attractive destination for career growth and wealth accumulation.

Key Market Indicators

Cost of Living

Index score (100 = global average)

Rent Index

Housing cost indicator

Median Income

$63,000

Estimated professional median

Tax System in United States

The United States employs a progressive federal tax system, with additional state and local taxes varying significantly by jurisdiction. Social Security and Medicare taxes are mandatory deductions.

Example Calculation

For a professional earning $63,000 annually in Houston:

Gross Income

$63,000

Net Income

$52,060

Tax Rate

17.4%

Monthly Take-Home

$4,338

Popular Salary Benchmarks

Explore compensation data for key roles in Houston

View All

AI Engineer

$180,000

Estimated base salary

Executive

$250,000

Estimated base salary

Compare with Similar Markets

Miami

A gateway for Latin American finance with favorable tax conditions and a growing hedge fund presence.

Atlanta

Logistics, fintech, and corporate HQs offer strong comp relative to cost of living.

Dallas

Energy trading and Fortune 500 relocations drive consistently high salaries in a business-friendly environment.

Denver

A fast-growing tech and aerospace corridor with increasing venture capital inflows.

Phoenix

Semiconductor fabrication and remote corporate teams make Phoenix a cost-efficient talent market.

Montreal

AI research, gaming, and aerospace industries keep comp elevated with bilingual culture benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Houston?↓

Houston has a cost of living index of 78 and a rent index of 58, making it one of the more expensive cities globally. Housing costs are manageable relative to other major cities.

How does the tax system work in United States?↓

The United States employs a progressive federal tax system, with additional state and local taxes varying significantly by jurisdiction. Social Security and Medicare taxes are mandatory deductions.

What is a good salary in Houston?↓

For professionals in Houston, we estimate the median income at approximately $63,000. A salary above this level provides comfortable living standards, while salaries significantly below may require careful budgeting, especially for housing in central areas.

What industries are strongest in Houston?↓

Houston is a growing economic center with strong presence across multiple sectors. The city's diverse economy attracts professionals from various industries, with particularly strong opportunities in finance, technology, and professional services.