Research Scientist Salary in Houston, TX
Research Scientist salary data for Houston, TX — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Research Scientist Salary in Houston, TX — 2026
The median Research Scientist salary in Houston, TX is $95,040 per year ($7,920/month, $46/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 96, which is 4% below the national average.
Research Scientist Take-Home Pay in Houston
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $95,040 |
| Federal Tax | -$12,523 |
| State Tax (0.0%) | -$0 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$7,271 |
| Annual Take-Home | $75,247 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $6,271 |
Living Cost Comparison
Research Scientist Requirements
Key Skills
Houston Job Market Overview
Houston, Texas has a population of 2,304,580 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace. The local job growth rate is 2.5%, and the average commute time is 28 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist salary in Houston, TX?
How much does a Research Scientist take home in Houston after taxes?
Is Houston a good city for Research Scientists?
What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in Houston?
How does Research Scientist salary in Houston compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist salary in Houston, TX?
The median Research Scientist salary in Houston, TX is $95,040 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. Entry-level Research Scientists earn around $54,720, while senior-level professionals can earn $123,840 or more.
How much does a Research Scientist take home in Houston after taxes?
A Research Scientist earning the median salary of $95,040 in Houston, TX takes home approximately $75,247 per year ($6,271/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 20.8%.
Is Houston a good city for Research Scientists?
Houston, TX has a cost of living index of 96 (below national average). Research Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace.
What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in Houston?
Key skills for Research Scientists include Research Design, Data Analysis, Grant Writing, Statistical Methods, Lab Management. Typical education requirement is Doctoral Degree (PhD). Valuable certifications include PhD in Field, Postdoctoral Training.
How does Research Scientist salary in Houston compare to the national average?
The national median Research Scientist salary is $99,000. In Houston, the adjusted salary is $95,040, which is 4.0% lower than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.