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Whether you want to work in offbeat Austin, big cities like Houston or Dallas, or in rural nursing, the demand for registered nurses (RNs) in Texas is high, and the cost of living is below average.
This guide outlines RN salary ranges in Texas, where salaries are highest, and what other healthcare professionals earn. Keep reading for the information you need to negotiate your salary and plan for your career.
- Average Texas RN Salary: $79,120 (Ranks 17th among all states)
- Hourly Texas RN Salary: $38.04
- Projected Texas RN Employment Growth (2018-2028): 16.8%
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Average RN Salaries in Texas
Texas is home to myriad healthcare employers, from massive hospitals and health systems in the major cities to small rural clinics. RNs earn a median $79,120, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is lower than the national average of $82,750, but the cost-of-living index in Texas is 99.5, 0.5% lower than the national average.
Experience, responsibilities, certifications, local cost of living, demand, and type of employer are some of the most important factors in determining salaries.
| Percentile | Average Annual RN Salary | Average Hourly RN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $59,780 | $28.74 |
| 25% | $62,590 | $30.09 |
| 50% (Median) | $77,320 | $37.17 |
| 75% | $93,320 | $44.87 |
| 90% | $99,070 | $47.63 |
Source: BLS
Texas RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
The real value of a salary offer depends on the local cost of living. Cost-of-living adjustments are based on how much typical goods and services cost in an area. These calculations include housing, food, medical care, transportation, recreation, and utilities. Of course, for a big state like Texas, the cost of living varies, with popular or big cities like San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, or Austin costing more.
Since the Texas cost-of-living index is 99.5, 0.5% lower than the national average, that is the equivalent of a 0.5% higher salary. This average RN salary in Texas is $79,516, after adjusting for the cost of living.
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $79,516 (Ranks 20th among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 99.5 (0.5% lower than the U.S. average)
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in Texas
Houston and Dallas are the highest-paying cities for RNs, offering major healthcare systems and excellent recreation, dining, and entertainment options. In addition, the city of Austin is becoming a technology hub. The resulting population growth has increased the demand for nurses and RN salaries.
With a regional population of almost 500,000, Killeen - Temple rounds up the top five highest-paying urban areas. Nearby Fort Hood, the local military base, is the primary employer and driver of economic growth.
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Houston — The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $83,890 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth — Arlington, TX | $82,260 |
| Austin — Round Rock, TX | $81,430 |
| San Antonio — New Braunfels, TX | $78,870 |
| Killeen — Temple, TX | $77,350 |
Source: BLS
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in Texas
If you are unsure about becoming an RN in Texas, you can begin your career as a nursing assistant or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). (Note: Texas and California use the term "licensed vocational nurse," while other states use "licensed practical nurse."
While nursing assistants and LVNs make considerably less money, it is easier and faster to earn this credential than it is an RN. Starting your nursing career with an LVN can give you valuable experience necessary when becoming an RN.
Similarly, if you want to earn more than the typical RN salary Texas employers offer, consider earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) and becoming a nurse practitioner. For an even higher salary, consider earning a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and becoming a nurse anesthetist after you earn your RN.
- Nursing Assistants: $39,620
- LPN/LVNs: $50,220
- Nurse Midwives: $85,030
- Nurse Practitioners: $117,890
- Nurse Anesthetists: $197,540
Methodology and Sources
Registered nursing salary data by state is collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, released on March 31, 2022. Data reflects RN salaries as of May 2021. The highest-paying cities and states for RNs are ranked by average annual salary.
Cost-of-living data is collected from the U.S Bureau of Economic Analysis real personal income for states and metropolitan areas, released on December 14, 2021. RN salary adjusted for cost of living is calculated by multiplying each state's RN salary by its regional price parity (RPP). RPP measures differences in the cost of goods and services in a region compared to national prices.
Projected employment growth data by state is collected from Projections Central.
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