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Retail Manager 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.

Retail Manager Salary in Houston β€” Key Numbers

$48,884
Median Salary
$36,441
25th Percentile
$67,488
75th Percentile
$91,102
90th Percentile
National median (Retail Manager)$48,400
vs. National median+1.0%
Houston median household income$67,800
vs. City household income-27.9%

Cost of Living in Houston

Cost of Living Index
101(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,262/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio31.0%
Annual rent cost$15,144
Median Home Price$320,000
Home Price / Salary6.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$64,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.5 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 Retail Manager make in Houston, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Retail Manager in Houston is $48,884 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $48,400 adjusted by Houston's cost of living index (101). The typical salary range runs from $36,441 (25th percentile) to $67,488 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $91,102.

Is Houston affordable for a Retail Manager?

On a $48,884 annual salary, a Retail Manager in Houston would spend approximately 31.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,262/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $320,000 is 6.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Retail Manager's salary compare to Houston's overall income?

Houston's median household income is $67,800. A Retail Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $48,884 earns 27.9% 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.