Entry-level Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary in Houston, TX
Based on 13 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level I in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Sugar Land, Brookshire, Freeport, Conroe, Deer Park.
Also listed as: Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $58,800 |
| 25th | $78,000 |
| 50th (median) | $80,036 |
| 75th | $92,070 |
| 90th | $130,242 |
Cost of living
Houston's median entry-level Research Scientist (Computer Science) salary of $80,036 is worth about $81,100 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Houston = 98.6).
Compared with all workers here
All Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Houston, TX area earned a median of $134,050 in May 2025 (380 employed). The H-1B median here is $80,036, 40% lower.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| W.m. Rice University | too few | 4 |
| LNRS Data Services | too few | 2 |
| University of Houston | too few | 2 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $80,036 | 13 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $115,793 | 18 |
| Senior · Level III | – | 0 |
| Expert · Level IV | $250,000 | 15 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $62,962 | $80,036 | 13 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $115,586 | $115,793 | 18 |
| Expert · Level IV | $131,248 | $250,000 | 15 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.