Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Houston, TX: $34.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Houston, TX runs $34.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,381 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Houston's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.6, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,820 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houston, Texas, data analysts are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $34.31 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $38.65. For those considering part-time work, such as a typical 3-day workweek, this translates to an approximate take-home pay of $52,946 annually, offering flexibility while still providing a decent income for roles typically found in tech company environments, AI startups, and research labs. Entry-level positions might see rates as low as $20.25, while top earners can command up to $53.77 per hour. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, provide insight into the anticipated compensation landscape for data analysts, reflecting the market dynamics in Houston.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.25 | $161.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.14 | $209.13 |
| Median (P50) | $34.31 | $274.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.43 | $363.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.77 | $430.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houston
Based on $34.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.31/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houston, TX can expect to earn approximately $71,367 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,173. With a cost-of-living index of 98.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,372.45 | $5,947 | $71,367 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $823.47 | $3,568 | $42,820 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $548.98 | $2,379 | $28,547 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Houston) | $34.31 |
| Data Analyst (National Avg) | $40.39 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Machine Learning Engineer (National Avg) | $66.77 |
| Statistician (National Avg) | $50.61 |
Data Analysts in Houston, TX earn a median of $71,381 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.21% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 5.90% above the Texas state average of $67,404.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.31/hr = $42,820/year (purchasing power: $43,416).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,367/year (purchasing power: $72,359).
CoL index: 98.629 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$51.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.31/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-29.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Houston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $51.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Houston grew -35.6% from $51.02/hr (2021) to $32.84/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.85/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem data analysts can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Data Analyst in Houston
Looking at the earning potential for part-time data analysts reveals a different picture in comparison to full-time roles. With many per-diem data analyst positions ranging from $100 to $200 per hour, more seasoned professionals focusing on machine learning engineering can often bill $200-$400 hourly. For highly specialized consultants in generative AI, rates could even soar to between $300 and $600. Hourly compensation varies widely across different employer types within Houston—FAANG companies typically offer competitive packages that include benefits, while AI startups may present higher risks and variable compensation structures in return for equity. The trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance creates strategic choices for analysts. When negotiating, research the prevailing rates specific to your domain and be prepared to articulate your unique skill set for maximum leverage, as these dynamics play a pivotal role in determining data analyst hourly pay in Houston.
More salary data for 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for data analysts in Houston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
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