AI Data Governance Manager.
Houston.
$177,000
median salary, 1% above the national average
$131,000 to $227,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
Houston is 3% cheaper than the national average. For AI Data Governance Managers, that shakes out to a median of $177,000, with the full range spanning $131,000 to $227,000. Expertise in managing data quality, lineage, and compliance specifically for AI training and inference pipelines drives compensation. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $159,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$115,000
to $142,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$150,000
to $186,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$195,000
to $230,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$221,000
to $274,000
Salary trend
+8% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $76,000 to the total package.
Base
$177,000
Equity
$46,000
Bonus
$19,000
Signing
$11,000
Estimated total: $253,000
How Houston compares
Houston, TX
$177,000
Cost of living: 3% below average
National Average
$175,000
Houston is $2,000 above
AI Data Governance Manager salary by city
Salary by role in Houston
What you should know
The AI Data Governance Manager landscape in Houston is not what most salary sites will tell you. Houston's economy is deeply rooted in energy, with a growing presence in healthcare, aerospace, and technology. The Texas Medical Center is the world's largest, driving massive demand for clinical and research roles. Houston's low cost of living and no state income tax make it an attractive destination for professionals seeking strong purchasing power. Expertise in managing data quality, lineage, and compliance specifically for AI training and inference pipelines drives compensation. Managers who can implement governance frameworks spanning data collection, labeling, storage, and model deployment are highly valued. Experience with privacy regulations affecting AI data use and cross border data transfer rules adds premiums.
Junior data governance analysts start at $95,000 to $130,000. Mid level managers with AI data pipeline experience earn $155,000 to $195,000. Senior managers reach $195,000 to $245,000. Directors of AI data governance at large enterprises can exceed $300,000 in total compensation. In Houston, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Bonuses of 15 to 25% are standard at enterprise technology companies. Equity grants add 10 to 25% of total compensation. Signing bonuses of $15,000 to $40,000 are common. Benefits often include compliance certification funding and professional conference attendance. And on the tax side: texas has no state income tax, giving Houston workers strong take home pay. The city's overall cost of living is below the national average, further stretching your salary. When someone quotes you $177,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Emphasize industry specialization in energy or healthcare. Houston employers pay significant premiums for domain expertise in these sectors over generalist candidates. The range for AI Data Governance Managers in Houston runs from $131,000 to $227,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Generative AI Developer in Houston earns $178,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Houston is Chief AI Officer at $295,000
Common questions.
AI Data Governance Manager salary in other cities
Other salaries in Houston
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