Wages in Texas fluctuate according to specialty and knowledge. I use to make $12/hr working pediatric trauma, in a level 1 trauma center, but with that experience was able to transfer to pediatric home-health and now get $22/hr plus overtime (working pedi-ventilator cases). The land prices in the suburban areas are very reasonable. I have 7 acres (about 45 minutes north of Houston) that I purchased for $18,000.