Houston vs Mission: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Houston, TX and Mission, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Mission, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $165,405▲ | $122,451 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.52▲ | $58.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,980▲ | $71,021 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,186▲ | $88,165 |
| 75th Percentile | $255,395▲ | $156,737 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $380,187▲ | $189,799 |
| Total Employed | 16,810▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mission.
The salary gap between Houston and Mission is $42,954 (35.08%). Houston's median is -1.06% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $296,207,Mission spans $118,778. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($167,704 effective) pays 31.48% more than Mission ($127,553 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,405/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($380,187)
- ✓Larger job market (16,810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,704)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Mission if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Houston grew 16.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -21.3% growth in Mission over the same period.
Houston, TX
$135,830 (2019) → $157,980 (2025)
Mission, TX
$148,626 (2024) → $116,954 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Mission, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Houston or Mission?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Mission?
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What do entry-level lawyers earn in Houston vs Mission?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov