Healthcare Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Registered Nurse Salary in Houston, Texas

The median registered nurse salary in Houston, TX is $79,596 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$79,596
vs State Avg
+$3,249
vs National
$-1,624
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median registered nurse salary of $79,596, which is $3,249 above the Texas state average of $76,347. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $56,252 at the 10th percentile to $118,384 at the 90th percentile — a $62,132 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,840, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,700. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $56,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,700
$-2,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $56,252
25th Percentile $65,464
Median (50th) $79,596
75th Percentile $99,078
90th Percentile $118,384

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$86,905
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$82,844
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$76,347
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$73,098
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Houston

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Houston 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 Houston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Houston

Browse open registered nurse positions in Houston, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Houston

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Houston, Texas is $79,596 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $56,252 (10th percentile) to $118,384 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,596, a registered nurse in Houston earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Houston's median registered nurse salary of $79,596 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $76,347. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $79,596 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Houston? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Houston 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.