Software Developer salary in Houston, TX
Median pay, Houston metro
$129,440/year
about $62.23 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $101,190 – $159,450
Half of software developers in the Houston metro area earn more than $129,440 a year and half earn less. That's 5% lower than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #26 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $80,400 | $38.65 |
| 25th | $101,190 | $48.65 |
| Median (50th) | $129,440 | $62.23 |
| 75th | $159,450 | $76.66 |
| 90th (top earners) | $181,770 | $87.39 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a software developer job in the Houston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $101,190 ($48.65/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $101,190 to $159,450 ($48.65 to $76.66/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $159,450 ($76.66/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Total pay at larger companies often includes stock and bonuses, so compare total compensation, not just salary.
- A fully remote role is usually priced against national pay, while on-site roles in big tech hubs tend to pay more.
- On-call rotations are common. Ask how often and whether they come with extra pay or time off.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Houston metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.