AI Data Scientist.
Houston.
$144,000
median salary, 5% below the national average
$109,000 to $188,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
AI Data Scientist pay in Houston ranges from $109,000 to $188,000 in 2026. The median is $144,000, 5% below the national average. Houston's economy is deeply rooted in energy, with a growing presence in healthcare, aerospace, and technology. Every dollar in that range is negotiable if you come prepared.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $129,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$94,000
to $115,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$122,000
to $151,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$158,000
to $187,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$180,000
to $223,000
Salary trend
+10% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $69,000 to the total package.
Base
$144,000
Equity
$42,000
Bonus
$18,000
Signing
$9,000
Estimated total: $213,000
How Houston compares
Houston, TX
$144,000
Cost of living: 3% below average
National Average
$152,000
Houston is $8,000 below
AI Data Scientist salary by city
Salary by role in Houston
What you should know
If you are interviewing for AI Data Scientist roles in Houston, here is what you are walking into. 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. AI data scientists who combine statistical modeling with production ML deployment earn the highest salaries. Industry sector matters significantly, with finance and healthcare paying 15 to 25% above retail or media. Proficiency in both Python and cloud ML platforms like SageMaker or Vertex AI is increasingly expected and adds 10 to 15% to offers.
Junior AI data scientists earn $115,000 to $135,000 with a master's degree. Mid-level scientists with 3 to 5 years reach $152,000 to $198,000. Senior data scientists earn $200,000 to $260,000, while principal scientists and directors of data science can command $280,000 to $380,000. 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. Total compensation at tech companies includes RSUs worth 15 to 30% of base salary and annual bonuses of 10 to 20%. Financial services firms substitute higher cash bonuses of 25 to 50% in lieu of equity, making total compensation comparable. 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 $144,000, 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 Scientists in Houston runs from $109,000 to $188,000. 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 AI Compliance Analyst in Houston earns $145,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Houston is Chief AI Officer at $295,000
Common questions.
AI Data Scientist salary in other cities
Other salaries in Houston
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