In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, Computer and Information Research Scientists earn an average annual salary of $111,410. This figure is notably below the national average of $167,850, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially different demand drivers influence compensation in this region. The specific economic landscape and industry focus of the Houston area likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $111,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $168,980.
- Outlook: The job market for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, shows a moderate presence with a total local workforce of 580 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting that while the field is present, it is not as densely populated as in other major tech hubs. This presents a stable, albeit not hyper-competitive, environment for those in the profession.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-33.6%below the national average.
$53.6
$2,143
$9,284
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized segment is not provided, it is generally assumed that the field of Computer and Information Research Science has experienced consistent salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for data analysis, AI development, and cybersecurity expertise are likely driving upward pressure on compensation, even in regions with a lower concentration of these roles.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Salary progression for Computer and Information Research Scientists typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the $111,410 average, while senior researchers and lead scientists with extensive project experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above this mark. The percentile gaps in salary distribution underscore the substantial career growth and earning potential available as professionals advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $63,960 | $30.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $83,558 | $40.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,820 | $49.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $139,263 | $67 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $168,980 | $81.2 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$111,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$111,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $111,410 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Computer and Information Research Scientist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
0.178
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has 0.71x the national average concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, market for Computer and Information Research Scientists is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the competition might be less intense compared to areas with a higher concentration of these specialized roles, potentially offering a more favorable environment for job seekers or those looking to establish a presence in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $111,410. This typically ranges from $63,960 for entry-level positions to $168,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 33.6% lower than the national median of $167,850.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
No, not as lucrative as the national average.The average salary of $111,410 is significantly lower than the national average of $167,850. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 580 suggests a moderate-sized market. While not as large as major tech hubs, it indicates a stable demand for Computer and Information Research Scientists within the Houston area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.71 mean for this role?
A Location Quotient of 0.71 signifies that Computer and Information Research Scientists are less concentrated in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, compared to the national average. This could mean less competition but also potentially fewer specialized opportunities.
How does the cost of living in Houston compare nationally?
The Cost of Living Index for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Houston?
With 0.178 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of Computer and Information Research Scientist roles is relatively low, indicating a niche market within the broader Houston employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 0.178 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer and Information Research Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX