Texas Registered Nurse (RN) Salary
Explore the complete guide to RN compensation. Review mean pay, percentiles, local hospital job demand, and specific Board of Nursing (BON) requirements.
State Mean
$95,970
Annual Salary
State Hourly
$45.86
Per hour
COL Adjusted Pay
$103,751
True Purchasing Power
vs National
+3%
Above US Mean
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, supplemented by real-time job posting salary data for current market comparison.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, RN, APRN, NP
on March 2026
for accuracy.
Salary Range & Percentiles
Salaries for Registered Nurses in Texas range from $67,120 (entry-level) to $127,950 (highly experienced) annually.
RN Salary by Metro Area in Texas
Registered Nurse salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Texas. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $101,420 | $48.47 | +5.7% |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | $99,830 | $48.21 | +4.0% |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | $97,890 | $46.93 | +2.0% |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $94,370 | $45.08 | -1.7% |
| Austin-Round Rock | $93,470 | $45.74 | -2.6% |
| Killeen-Temple | $93,440 | $46.36 | -2.6% |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $93,330 | $45.38 | -2.8% |
| Waco | $92,890 | $44.78 | -3.2% |
| Amarillo | $86,850 | $43.71 | -9.5% |
| El Paso | $86,100 | $42.51 | -10.3% |
| Sherman-Denison | $83,700 | $41.76 | -12.8% |
| Victoria | $83,680 | $41.64 | -12.8% |
| Wichita Falls | $83,280 | $41.59 | -13.2% |
| College Station-Bryan | $83,090 | $42.35 | -13.4% |
| Corpus Christi | $82,690 | $40.35 | -13.8% |
| Midland | $82,120 | $41.65 | -14.4% |
| Lubbock | $81,480 | $42.14 | -15.1% |
| Odessa | $81,370 | $42.22 | -15.2% |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $81,180 | $41.30 | -15.4% |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | $81,090 | $41.40 | -15.5% |
| Texarkana | $80,610 | $38.04 | -16.0% |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | $80,540 | $38.92 | -16.1% |
| Tyler | $80,340 | $38.98 | -16.3% |
| Longview | $80,330 | $40.81 | -16.3% |
| Abilene | $80,240 | $40.95 | -16.4% |
| San Angelo | $80,080 | $40.39 | -16.6% |
| Laredo | $77,050 | $39.49 | -19.7% |
| Eagle Pass | $73,660 | $38.05 | -23.2% |
Job Market Salary Data
Compare official BLS survey data with actual salary ranges from recent job postings. Based on 31 job postings in Texas over the past 12 months.
Current Job Openings in Texas
35 Registered Nurse positions currently available in Texas.
Top Hospitals Hiring RNs in Texas
Texas is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where RNs are in demand include:
Houston Methodist Hospital
San Antonio VA Medical Center (Va South Texas Healthcare System)
St David's Medical Center
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Texas BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Registered Nurse and earn the salaries listed above, the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners requires strict licensure and certification steps.
-
1
Active RN License: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Texas.
-
2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Registered Nurse track. Top Programs: The University of Texas at Austin and Tarrant County College District
-
3
National Certification: Pass the relevant national certification exam provided by a recognized credentialing body (e.g., ANCC, AACN, NCC).
-
4
Advanced Practice Licensure: Apply for a Nurse Practitioner license or Furnishing Number through the state BON to prescribe medications. Apply for APN Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurse make in Texas?
As of 2025, the median Registered Nurse salary in Texas is $95,970 per year or $45.86 per hour. This is 3% above the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad RN in Texas?
Entry-level Registered Nurses in Texas typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $67,120. With 5-10 years of experience, RNs can expect to reach the median salary of $95,970 or higher.
Is Texas a good state for RN salaries when considering the cost of living?
Texas has a cost of living index of 0.93. When adjusting the raw median salary of $95,970 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $103,751. This means your dollar stretches further here, giving you more real purchasing power.
How much does an RN make an hour in Texas?
The median hourly wage for an RN in Texas is $45.86. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $61.51 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most RNs in Texas?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Texas, top employers hiring RNs include Houston Methodist Hospital, San Antonio VA Medical Center (Va South Texas Healthcare System), St David's Medical Center, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.
What are the requirements to become an RN in Texas?
To practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas, you must hold an active RN license, graduate from an accredited program, pass the relevant national certification exam, and apply for advanced practice licensure through the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
Are there RN programs in Texas?
Yes, aspiring Registered Nurses can attend local programs such as The University of Texas at Austin and Tarrant County College District. Alternatively, many Texas nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Registered Nurses in Texas?
Yes, the demand for Registered Nurses remains strong in Texas, particularly in metro areas supporting large healthcare systems. Job growth is projected to remain steady as facilities seek specialized providers to manage complex patient care.