Dallas vs Houston: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,423▲ | $71,381 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.07▲ | $34.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,591▲ | $42,113 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,521▲ | $54,363 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,128▲ | $94,477 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,908▲ | $111,822 |
| Total Employed | 10,120▲ | 4,060 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Dallas and Houston is $14,042 (19.67%). Dallas's median is +6.26% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $72,317,Houston spans $69,709. Dallas 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, Dallas ($82,863 effective) pays 14.49% 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 Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,423/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,908)
- ✓Larger job market (10,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,863)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Dallas grew -20.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -35.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$102,530 (2021) → $81,760 (2025)
Houston, TX
$106,110 (2021) → $68,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, 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