In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $86,840. This figure is slightly below the national average of $91,840, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially a different cost-benefit analysis for compensation within this metropolitan area. The specific economic drivers and industry concentrations within Houston influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $142,330.
- Outlook: The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area boasts a significant workforce of 35,190 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.16, this sector is more concentrated in Houston than the national average, indicating a robust and established presence. The rate of 10.839 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a healthy demand for these specialized roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-5.4%below the national average.
$41.8
$1,670
$7,237
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in major metropolitan areas like Houston have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized skills, and advancements in scientific and technological fields, leading to a gradual upward trajectory in average compensation.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized expertise can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles highlight the substantial financial rewards associated with career advancement and the acquisition of advanced skills in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $42,180 | $20.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $65,130 | $31.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $76,860 | $37 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $108,550 | $52.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $142,330 | $68.4 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $86,840 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary's value stable in terms of everyday expenses. Relocating to this area for a role in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations would offer a cost of living comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
35,190
Total Jobs
10.839
Per 1K Jobs
1.16
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.16, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.16 signifies that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are 16% more concentrated in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where specialized talent is in demand and readily available. Employers may find a strong pool of qualified candidates, while job seekers can benefit from a focused industry presence.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $79,480↓ 8% | 77 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $60,020↓ 31% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $86,840. This typically ranges from $42,180 for entry-level positions to $142,330 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 5.4% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $86,840 is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration (LQ 1.16) and comparable cost of living (100) indicate a stable and potentially rewarding market for these professionals.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($79,480) and College Station-Bryan, TX.
How does Houston's salary compare to the national average for these roles?
The average annual salary in Houston is $86,840, which is approximately 5.4% lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Houston?
An LQ of 1.16 means that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are 16% more concentrated in Houston than the national average, indicating a stronger presence and potentially more job opportunities in this sector.
How does the cost of living in Houston affect the salary?
Houston's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $86,840 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Is the job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations growing in Houston?
With a substantial local workforce and a Location Quotient above 1, the market shows a robust concentration, suggesting consistent demand and a healthy job environment for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 35,190 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 10.839 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX