College Station vs Houston: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between College Station, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | College Station, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,054 | $71,381▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.23 | $34.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,990 | $42,113▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,830 | $54,363▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,763 | $94,477▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,471 | $111,822▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 4,060▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to College Station.
The salary gap between College Station and Houston is $4,327 (6.45%). Houston's median is -11.21% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in College Station spans $71,481,Houston spans $69,709. College Station 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, College Station ($73,725 effective) pays 1.87% 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 College Station if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,725)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,381/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,822)
- ✓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 College Station grew -35.7% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -35.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
College Station, TX
$99,790 (2022) → $64,179 (2025)
Houston, TX
$106,110 (2021) → $68,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
College Station, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: College Station or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between College Station and Houston?
Should I relocate from College Station to Houston as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in College Station vs Houston?
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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