Average Software Developers Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Software Developers in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area earn an average annual salary of $128,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $145,320, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus influence compensation. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary differential warrants closer examination for professionals in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $128,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $174,600.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 20,830 Software Developers, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area demonstrates a significant presence of tech talent. However, a Location Quotient of 0.6 indicates that the concentration of these roles is lower than the national average. This suggests that while there is a considerable pool of developers, the demand relative to the national landscape might be less intense, impacting overall market competitiveness.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-11.9%below the national average.
$61.6
$2,463
$10,672
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that Software Developer salaries in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, increased demand for digital solutions, and the evolving tech landscape likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, even if the current average trails the national benchmark.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Salary progression for Software Developers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, like elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior developers with specialized skills and a proven track record can earn significantly more, often exceeding the $128,060 average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential as professionals advance through junior, mid-level, and principal roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $78,170 | $37.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $96,045 | $46.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $127,940 | $61.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $160,075 | $77 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $174,600 | $83.9 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$128,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$128,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $128,060 for Software Developers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a developer's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to that of a developer in a typical U.S. city. While this indicates financial stability, it also suggests that the lower-than-national average salary is balanced by the absence of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
20,830
Total Jobs
6.417
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has 0.60x the national average concentration of Software Developers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.6 for Software Developers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX signifies that the region employs fewer developers per capita than the national average. This suggests a less saturated market compared to national hubs, which could present opportunities for skilled professionals. However, it also implies that the demand might not be as robust as in areas with a higher concentration of tech companies and roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Software Developers Salary | $124,820↓ 3% | 77 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Software Developers Salary | $109,010↓ 15% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $128,060. This typically ranges from $78,170 for entry-level positions to $174,600 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 11.9% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Software Developers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $128,060 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $145,320. The cost of living being at the national average means the lower salary doesn't translate to greater purchasing power.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Software Developers?
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 ($124,820) and College Station-Bryan, TX.
How does the Houston Software Developer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Software Developers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $128,060, which is $17,260 less than the national average of $145,320.
What is the concentration of Software Developers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The Location Quotient is 0.6, indicating that the concentration of Software Developers in this area is 40% lower than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Software Developer salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $128,060 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a typical U.S. city.
How many Software Developers are there in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area?
There are approximately 20,830 Software Developers employed in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 20,830 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 6.417 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX