Sales Representative.
Houston.
$63,000
median salary, 3% below the national average
$47,000 to $85,000. Updated for 2026.
The numbers.
Everything you need to negotiate with confidence.
Houston is 3% cheaper than the national average. For Sales Representatives, that shakes out to a median of $63,000, with the full range spanning $47,000 to $85,000. Industry and deal size are the primary salary drivers for sales representatives. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
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How Houston compares
Houston, TX
$63,000
Cost of living: 3% below average
National Average
$65,000
Houston is $2,000 below
What you should know
The Sales Representative 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. Industry and deal size are the primary salary drivers for sales representatives. Enterprise B2B reps selling six-figure contracts earn significantly more than retail or SMB-focused reps. Territory assignment, product complexity, and existing book of business also create meaningful pay differences across otherwise similar roles.
Sales development reps (SDRs) start at $45,000 to $55,000 base. Account executives earn $65,000 to $95,000 base with OTE of $120,000 to $180,000. Senior AEs and enterprise reps reach $100,000 to $140,000 base, with top performers exceeding $250,000 in total earnings. 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. On-target earnings (OTE) typically double the base salary through commissions. Top performers in enterprise SaaS or medical devices can earn $150,000 to $250,000 in total compensation. SPIFs, accelerators, and President's Club trips add further upside. 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 $63,000, 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 Sales Representatives in Houston runs from $47,000 to $85,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Top industries in Houston
Negotiating in Houston
Emphasize industry specialization in energy or healthcare. Houston employers pay significant premiums for domain expertise in these sectors over generalist candidates.