Austin vs Houston: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,162▲ | $71,381 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.95▲ | $34.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,910▲ | $42,113 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,358▲ | $54,363 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,030▲ | $94,477 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,379▲ | $111,822 |
| Total Employed | 3,730 | 4,060▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Austin and Houston is $13,781 (19.31%). Austin's median is +5.93% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $74,469,Houston spans $69,709. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($86,842 effective) pays 19.99% more than Houston ($72,373 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,162/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,379)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,842)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Austin grew -34.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -35.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$124,200 (2021) → $81,510 (2025)
Houston, TX
$106,110 (2021) → $68,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov