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Military Enlisted Salary in Houston, TX β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Houston's cost of living (index: 101). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Houston β€” Key Numbers

$41,410
Median Salary
$29,795
25th Percentile
$57,368
75th Percentile
$74,740
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median+1.0%
Houston median household income$67,800
vs. City household income-38.9%

Cost of Living in Houston

Cost of Living Index
101(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,262/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio36.6%
Annual rent cost$15,144
Median Home Price$320,000
Home Price / Salary7.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$64,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Houston

4.2%
Unemployment Rate
7,470,000
Metro Population
29 min
Avg Commute
34.5
Median Age

Houston has a metro population of 7,470,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Houston, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Houston is $41,410 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Houston's cost of living index (101). The typical salary range runs from $29,795 (25th percentile) to $57,368 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $74,740.

Is Houston affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $41,410 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Houston would spend approximately 36.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,262/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Houston may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $320,000 is 7.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Houston's overall income?

Houston's median household income is $67,800. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $41,410 earns 38.9% less than the typical Houston household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Houston has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.