Healthcare Resource
Registered Nurse Salary in Texas 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
In brief
Registered nurse salary data for Texas in 2026: average pay $74K, city breakdowns, top employers, highest-paying specialties, and travel RN rates.
In this article
The average registered nurse salary in Texas in 2026 is $74,100/year ($35.63/hour) based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and compensation data from Texas Medical Center (Houston), Baylor Scott & White, HCA Healthcare, and other major Texas health systems. Salaries range significantly across the state based on city, employer, specialty unit, shift, and certifications held.
RN Salary by City in Texas
| City / Metro | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $78,200 | Texas Medical Center, largest medical complex in the world |
| Dallas | $76,500 | Baylor Scott & White + UT Southwestern + Parkland |
| Austin | $75,800 | St. David's + Ascension Seton, fastest-growing market |
| San Antonio | $72,100 | University Health + Baptist Health System |
| El Paso | $68,400 | University Medical Center, border-region demand |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Texas
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $225,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $91,000 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $87,000 |
| Cardiac Cath Lab RN | $88,000 |
| Emergency RN | $82,000 |
| NICU RN | $84,000 |
Top Texas Healthcare Employers for RNs
- Texas Medical Center (Houston)
- Baylor Scott & White
- HCA Healthcare
- UT Health
- Ascension Texas
- Methodist Health
- Christus Health
Compact License Status
Texas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). RNs holding a compact license in another NLC state can practice in Texas without obtaining an additional state license.
Texas RN Job Market Outlook
Texas is a compact state with no state income tax, making take-home pay competitive despite a slightly lower gross salary than coastal states. Demand is concentrated in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and Houston. Travel rates: $2,300-$3,000/week.
How to Maximize Your RN Salary in Texas
- Pursue specialty unit certification: CCRN (critical care), CEN (emergency), RNC-OB (L&D), CNOR (OR), each adds $6,000-$15,000 at major Texas health systems
- Night and weekend differential: Typically +$3-$7/hr, translating to $6,000-$14,000 in annualized additional income at full-time hours
- Charge nurse role: +$2-$5/hr at most facilities; first step toward nurse manager track
- Travel or PRN status: Experienced Texas RNs earn 30-50% more as travelers or per-diem staff
- BSN or MSN completion: Most major Texas systems pay $1-$3/hr more for BSN-prepared nurses; MSN opens management and APRN pathways
Related: RN Salary by State 2026, Travel Nurse Salary Guide, ICU Nurse Salary 2026, NP Salary Guide.
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