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Software Engineer Salary in Houston, TX

How much does a software engineer make in Houston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Houston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$127,940
per year in Houston
Entry Level
$80,349
Starting salary
Senior Level
$173,059
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how software engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Houston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$80,349$127,940$173,059
Monthly$6,696$10,662$14,422
Biweekly$3,090$4,921$6,656
Weekly$1,545$2,460$3,328
Hourly$39$62$83

Houston vs National Average

How Houston's software engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Houston Salary
$127,940
COL Index: 99
National Average
$112,110
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$15,830
Higher in Houston

Cost of Living in Houston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$56,203
per year
Population
2,320,268
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Houston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Software Engineer

Overview

Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Key Skills

JavaScriptPythonSystem DesignAlgorithms

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +25% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Software Engineer Salary

See Software Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$161,970
+27%
Los Angeles, CA
$155,330
+21%
Chicago, IL
$130,030
+2%
Phoenix, AZ
$129,600
+1%
Philadelphia, PA
$130,670
+2%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Software Engineer Salary in Houston, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a software engineer in Houston, TX is $127,940 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Houston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level software engineer professionals in Houston can expect to earn around $80,349 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level software engineers earning approximately $173,059 per year. This represents a 115% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Houston's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Houston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,110, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a software engineer's salary in Houston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 13.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Software Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 25% over the next decade. In Houston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.