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  1. Home/
  2. Salaries/
  3. Lead Operations Research Analyst/
  4. Houston

Lead Operations Research Analyst.

Houston.

$122,000

median salary, 5% below the national average

$95,000 to $159,000. Last updated April 2026.

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Data points to own the conversation.

Here is what Lead Operations Research Analysts actually make in Houston: $95,000 at the 25th percentile, $122,000 at the median, and $159,000 at the 75th. That is 5% below the national average. Houston's economy is deeply rooted in energy, with a growing presence in healthcare, aerospace, and technology. The number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.

Salary range

25th Percentile

$95,000

per year

Median

$122,000

per year

75th Percentile

$159,000

per year

Where do you fall?

$95,000$159,000

Salary by experience

The gap between entry and lead level is typically $110,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.

Entry (0-2 yrs)

$79,000

to $98,000

Mid (3-5 yrs)

$104,000

to $128,000

Senior (6-9 yrs)

$134,000

to $159,000

Lead (10+ yrs)

$153,000

to $189,000

Salary trend

+5% YoY
$100,000
2022
$105,000
2023
$111,000
2024
$116,000
2025
$122,000
2026

Total compensation

Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $27,000 to the total package.

Base

$122,000

Equity

$15,000

Bonus

$10,000

Signing

$2,000

Estimated total: $149,000

How Houston compares

Houston, TX

$122,000

Cost of living: 3% below average

National Average

$128,000

Houston is $6,000 below

Lead Operations Research Analyst salary by city

Lead Operations Research Analyst salary comparison across 10 cities
CityMedianRangeCOLAdjusted
San Francisco, CA$173,000$135,000 – $225,0001.35x$128,000
San Jose, CA$170,000$132,000 – $221,0001.38x$123,000
Honolulu, HI$168,000$131,000 – $219,0001.30x$129,000
Washington DC, DC$163,000$127,000 – $213,0001.25x$130,000
Arlington, VA$161,000$126,000 – $210,0001.22x$132,000
New York, NY$159,000$124,000 – $207,0001.28x$124,000
Seattle, WA$156,000$122,000 – $203,0001.24x$126,000
Boston, MA$156,000$122,000 – $204,0001.22x$128,000
Los Angeles, CA$154,000$120,000 – $201,0001.18x$131,000
Houston, TX$122,000$95,000 – $159,0000.97x$126,000

See all 81 cities for Lead Operations Research Analyst →

Salary by role in Houston

Salary comparison by role in Houston
RoleMedianRange
Principal AI Research Scientist$353,000$275,000 – $459,000
Technical Fellow$333,000$260,000 – $433,000
Principal Quantitative Researcher$329,000$257,000 – $428,000
Lead Operations Research Analyst$122,000$95,000 – $159,000
AI Prompt Designer$122,000$90,000 – $162,000
Conversational UX Designer$122,000$92,000 – $162,000
AI Tutoring System Developer$122,000$90,000 – $158,000
AI Sports Analytics Engineer$122,000$90,000 – $158,000

What you should know

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. That is the backdrop for every Lead Operations Research Analyst offer you will see here.

One thing people overlook: taxes. 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. The salary on the offer letter is not the salary in your bank account. Always model your take home before you accept.

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 Lead Operations Research Analysts in Houston runs from $95,000 to $159,000. 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

Interactive

Is your offer competitive?

Enter your Lead Operations Research Analyst offer to see where you stand in Houston.

$

25th

$95,000

Median

$122,000

75th

$159,000

Considering a related role?

  • A Actuary in Houston earns $123,000 (1% more)
  • The highest-paying role in Houston is Principal AI Research Scientist at $353,000

Common questions.

In Houston, large enterprises typically pay Lead Operations Research Analysts 10 to 20% more in base salary than small companies, but startups often compensate with equity that can exceed base salary value. Total compensation at top companies often doubles the base through equity and bonuses. The $95,000 to $159,000 range reflects this entire spectrum.

Lead with data: Lead Operations Research Analysts in Houston earn $95,000 to $159,000, so anchoring your ask near $159,000 gives room to land at the median. Emphasize industry specialization in energy or healthcare. Houston employers pay significant premiums for domain expertise in these sectors over generalist candidates. Never accept the first number without a conversation.

Entry level Lead Operations Research Analyst positions in Houston typically start near $95,000. Candidates with relevant internships, certifications, or portfolio work often negotiate closer to the median of $122,000.

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 comparing offers across states, your take home pay matters more than the number on the offer letter. A lower salary in a no income tax state can net more than a higher one elsewhere.

Lead Operations Research Analysts in Houston earn a median of $122,000, which positions this role among the higher paid professions in the market. Related roles may pay 10 to 25% more or less depending on specialization depth. Use Orbyt's Salary Explorer to compare specific roles side by side in Houston.

Ask about equity structure, vesting schedule, annual bonus targets, 401(k) match, health insurance premiums, PTO policy, and remote flexibility. Total compensation often exceeds base salary by 20 to 40%. In Houston's market, these extras can add $30,500 or more on top of the base salary.

Lead Operations Research Analyst salary in other cities

Hartford$138,000
Honolulu$168,000
Indianapolis$119,000
Jackson$101,000
Jersey City$149,000
Kansas City$118,000

Other salaries in Houston

Zero Trust Architect$162,000
Zendesk Developer$105,000
Zendesk Administrator$83,000
Accountant$70,000

Related

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Cite this data

Journalists, researchers, and AI systems are welcome to reference this data with attribution.

"Lead Operations Research Analyst Salary in Houston, TX." Orbyt Salary Explorer, April 2026. https://www.orbytjobs.ai/salaries/lead-operations-research-analyst/houston

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