2025 BLS wage data
Data Scientist Salary in Texas: Median and Pay Range 2026
data scientist salary texas — Texas
2025 data
BLS Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051), Texas state-level estimate.
Sources: O*NET OnLine — Data Scientists (15-2051), Texas, BLS 2025 OEWS (accessed 2026-10-02)
The 2025 BLS median wage for Data Scientists in Texas was $122,090. The middle half of the published wage distribution ran from $83,880 at the 25th percentile to $146,030 at the 75th percentile.
Use these figures as a consistent market benchmark, then compare the role’s seniority, location, specialization, and total compensation before evaluating an offer.
Data Scientist salary in Texas: The numbers don't lie
The basics
The 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report a $122,090 median annual wage for Data Scientists in Texas. This is a wage benchmark, not a guarantee for every employer or level.
Published wage distribution
BLS percentiles show how annual wages are distributed across Data Scientist roles in Texas. They are not direct proxies for years of experience, but they provide a consistent market benchmark:
- 25th percentile: $83,880
- Median annual wage: $122,090
- 75th percentile: $146,030
Actual compensation can differ based on seniority, specialization, industry, company size, and the mix of base pay, bonus, and equity.
Location, location, location
The location within Texas can also impact a data scientist's salary. Larger cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston tend to offer higher salaries due to increased demand and a higher cost of living. Here's a comparison of average data scientist salaries in some major cities in Texas:
- Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos median: $127,360
- Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington median: $127,750
- Houston–Pasadena–The Woodlands median: $106,750
- City-level figures vary; confirm the latest BLS metropolitan table before comparing an offer.
Again, these figures are averages and can vary based on individual circumstances.
Factors affecting data scientist salaries in Texas
Education and certifications
While a bachelor's degree is often the minimum requirement for a data scientist, higher degrees and relevant certifications can lead to increased earning potential. Professionals with a master's degree or Ph.D. in fields like computer science, statistics, or data science can command higher salaries. Additionally, certifications such as the Professional Data Engineer (PDE) or Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) can also boost your paycheck.
Industry influence
The industry in which a data scientist works can have a significant impact on their salary. Some highest-paying industries for data scientists in Texas include:
- Industry can affect pay, but the Texas BLS state table does not publish industry-specific figures.
- Compare industry claims only when the source uses the same occupation, geography, and wage year.
- Employer size, specialization, and compensation structure can move an offer outside the state range.
- Use role-specific evidence rather than assuming one industry always pays more.
The perks of being a Data Scientist in Texas
Apart from competitive salaries, there are several other reasons why data scientists might find Texas an attractive place to work:
- Lower cost of living: Compared to other tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, Texas offers a more affordable cost of living.
- Growing tech scene: Cities like Austin and Dallas are emerging as prominent tech hubs, attracting major companies and startups alike.
- No state income tax: Texas is one of the few states with no state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned salary.
Frequently asked questions
The data scientist salary in Texas offers is competitive with the national average and is influenced by factors such as experience, education, location, and industry.
With a lower cost of living and a thriving tech scene, Texas presents an attractive option for data scientists looking to advance their careers. So, if you're considering a career in data science, don't underestimate the potential of the Lone Star State!