Data Engineer Salary in Houston
2026 compensation data for Data Engineer positions in Houston, TX. Ranges from $79,000 (entry-level) to $208,000 (senior). Median: $137,000.
Median (Mid)
$137,000
$65.87/hr
vs National
+2%
US: $134,000
COL Index
102
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$208,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $79,000 | $97,000 | $119,000 | $46.63/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $114,000 | $137,000 | $158,000 | $65.87/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $149,000 | $176,000 | $208,000 | $84.62/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Houston
A mid-level data engineer earning $137,000 in Houston has the same buying power as $134,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 102).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Data Engineer Salaries in Houston
The median data engineer salary in Houston, TX is $137,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 2% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 102 (national average = 100), Houston offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level data engineers in Houston can expect to earn between $79,000 and $119,000 (about $46.63/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $208,000 ($208K annually, or about $100/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Engineer Salary in Houston
What is the average Data Engineer salary in Houston?+
The average Data Engineer salary in Houston is $137,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $97,000 and senior-level pay reaches $176,000.
How much does an entry-level data engineer make in Houston?+
Entry-level data engineers in Houston earn between $79,000 and $119,000, with a median of $97,000 per year (about $46.63/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Data Engineer in Houston?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Data Engineer in Houston earns roughly $46.63/hour at entry-level, $65.87/hour at mid-level, and $84.62/hour at senior-level.
Is the Data Engineer salary in Houston higher than the US average?+
Yes — Data Engineer salaries in Houston are about 2% higher than the US national median of $134,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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