Healthcare Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Registered Nurse Salary in Austin, Texas

The median registered nurse salary in Austin, TX is $86,905 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 13.8% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$86,905
vs State Avg
+$10,558
vs National
+$5,685
Cost of Living
105%

Registered Nurse Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median registered nurse salary of $86,905, which is $10,558 above the Texas state average of $76,347. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Austin spans from $61,418 at the 10th percentile to $129,256 at the 90th percentile — a $67,838 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,060, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,050. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $62,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,060
+$4,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,740
+$5,740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,050
+$8,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $61,418
25th Percentile $71,476
Median (50th) $86,905
75th Percentile $108,177
90th Percentile $129,256

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX
$82,844
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$79,596
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$76,347
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$73,098
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Austin

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Austin and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Austin may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Austin

Browse open registered nurse positions in Austin, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Austin

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Austin, Texas is $86,905 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $61,418 (10th percentile) to $129,256 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,905, a registered nurse in Austin earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Austin's median registered nurse salary of $86,905 is 13.8% above the Texas state average of $76,347. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $86,905 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Austin? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Austin require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.