What is the average salary in Houston, TX?
In Houston, TX, professionals enjoy a range of salary opportunities across different sectors. The average yearly salary stands at $63,865, reflecting the city's diverse job market. Major industries contribute to these varying income levels, from healthcare to technology.
Houston offers competitive wages for various roles. The top-paying sectors include management and professional services, followed by finance and insurance. These industries lead with higher average salaries, making them attractive for job seekers. A detailed look at the distribution shows that around 29.92% of jobs pay around $22,000 per year. This distribution stretches up to roles paying $200,000 annually. This range provides plenty of options for job seekers at different career stages.
What are the best paying jobs in Houston, TX?

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Owner Operator
Average Salary: $279,315
Driving your own truck offers flexibility and a chance to own a piece of the industry. Companies like Swift Transportation and Landstar System provide opportunities. The demand for goods in Houston keeps this job active.
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $270,816
Helping patients stay comfortable during surgeries is crucial. With employers like Memorial Hermann and Houston Methodist, there is high demand. The job provides stability and good earnings.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $268,686
Providing dental care is both rewarding and profitable. Practices such as Pearland Family Dentistry and Houston Center for Cosmetic Dentistry are always looking for skilled professionals. The city's growth means more patients.
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Physician
Average Salary: $252,132
Being a doctor means making life-changing decisions daily. Employers like Baylor College of Medicine and UTHealth offer numerous opportunities. Houston's diverse population means a wide range of medical needs.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $238,739
Caring for patients and managing their overall health is fulfilling. With clinics like Kelsey-Seybold and MD Anderson, the demand is steady. Houston’s population growth means more patients need care.
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Emergency Medicine Physician
Average Salary: $205,926
Responding to emergencies keeps the job exciting. Hospitals like Memorial Hermann and Houston Methodist need skilled physicians. The city’s large population means there is always work.
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Investment Banker
Average Salary: $172,625
Helping companies with finances is a demanding but rewarding role. Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase offer many opportunities. Houston’s strong energy sector fuels investment needs.
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Principal Consultant
Average Salary: $169,117
Offering expert advice to businesses helps them succeed. Companies like Accenture and Deloitte are always seeking top talent. Houston’s business-friendly environment offers numerous opportunities.
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Enterprise Architect
Average Salary: $167,984
Designing and implementing IT strategies is key for businesses. Firms like IBM and Dell Technologies hire skilled architects. Houston’s tech sector is growing fast, creating more job openings.
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Business Director
Average Salary: $163,849
Leading a team to achieve business goals is challenging. Companies like Baker Hughes and Kinder Morgan offer leadership roles. Houston’s business climate is dynamic, with many opportunities for growth.
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What are the best paying jobs in Houston, TX without a degree?

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Floating Operator
Average Salary: $207,680
This role involves operating a piece of machinery. It often takes place on oil rigs. It offers a high salary and is physically demanding. Companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil need skilled operators.
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Equipment Manager
Average Salary: $98,737
In this role, one manages and maintains various pieces of equipment. This position is crucial in manufacturing and construction. It ensures everything runs smoothly. Firms like Halliburton and TechnipFMC need reliable equipment managers.
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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $80,450
This job involves inspecting products before they hit the market. It ensures quality and safety. Companies often value meticulous inspectors. Firms like Sysco and Tyson Foods need thorough inspectors.
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Float Operator
Average Salary: $76,181
Operating a float is a key part of this job. It requires precision and attention to detail. It is important in industries like construction and oil. Companies like Halliburton and Schlumberger need skilled float operators.
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Transplant Worker
Average Salary: $76,170
This role involves planting crops or trees. It requires physical strength and endurance. It often takes place on farms and construction sites. Companies like Monsanto and Archer Daniels Midland need hardworking transplant workers.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $65,419
In this role, one gathers information through surveys. It involves talking to people and collecting data. It is essential for market research. Companies like Nielsen and Ipsos need skilled canvassers.
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Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $48,002
This role involves mixing and pouring concrete. It requires strength and attention to detail. It is important in construction. Firms like Bechtel and Fluor Corporation need reliable concrete laborers.
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Terminal Operator
Average Salary: $47,012
Operating a terminal is a key part of this job. It involves managing freight and cargo. It requires coordination and problem-solving skills. Companies like Maersk and UPS need skilled terminal operators.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $46,978
This role involves maintaining irrigation systems. It requires knowledge of water management. It is crucial for agriculture. Companies like Archer Daniels Midland and DuPont need skilled technicians.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $46,937
In this role, one oversees daily operations in a restaurant. It requires strong leadership and customer service skills. It is essential for a smooth dining experience. Companies like Texas Roadhouse and Chili's need skilled managers.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Houston, TX?

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Empire National
Average Salary: $302,337
Empire National offers a wide range of insurance services and is known for its competitive salaries. They are a reputable company in Houston.
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Beemac Trucking, LLC
Average Salary: $257,992
Beemac Trucking, LLC is a major player in the trucking industry, providing excellent pay and benefits to its employees.
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Transpro Burgener
Average Salary: $238,395
Transpro Burgener specializes in transportation and logistics, offering high salaries and career growth opportunities.
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SAP
Average Salary: $203,120
SAP is a global software company that provides enterprise applications. They offer a competitive salary package.
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Life Savers Emergency Room
Average Salary: $191,663
Life Savers Emergency Room focuses on providing urgent medical care. They value their employees and offer good compensation.
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EY
Average Salary: $174,841
EY is a major global accounting firm. They are known for their strong salary packages and professional development.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $174,504
Amazon Web Services is a leading cloud services provider. They offer attractive salaries and career opportunities.
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PwC
Average Salary: $173,718
PwC is a multinational professional services network. They provide good compensation and support for career advancement.
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Citi
Average Salary: $168,625
Citi is a global banking and financial services company. They offer competitive salaries and a variety of benefits.
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Scribd
Average Salary: $165,755
Scribd is an online subscription service for reading and audiobooks. They provide good pay and a dynamic work environment.
How does the cost of living in Houston, TX compare to the national average?

Houston's cost of living index stands at 97, closely matching the nationwide average of 100. This suggests that job seekers in Houston will find the overall cost of living quite comparable to the rest of the country. Housing, for example, is 3% lower than the average, which can be a major relief for those considering relocation. Groceries and transportation also align closely with the national average at 97 each, while utilities slightly exceed it at 103.
However, certain areas show minor variations. Housing and groceries, at 94 and 97 respectively, indicate some savings in these categories. Utilities, however, rise above the average at 103, which might affect budget planning. Overall, the cost of living in Houston appears balanced, with only minor fluctuations in various sectors. Job seekers can expect a familiar cost structure with minor adjustments needed for utilities.



