RN Salary in Texas — 2026 Nurse Pay Guide

Texas is one of the best states for registered nurses on a cost-adjusted basis. With no state income tax, strong demand, and lower cost of living than coastal states, Texas RNs often take home as much as California nurses earning $40,000+ more per year. The average Texas RN earns $81,510/year ($39.19/hr) in 2026, with Houston metro nurses reaching $87,500+.

RN Salary by Experience Level in Texas (2026)

Texas has one of the largest nursing labor markets in the country. Competition for experienced nurses — particularly in ICU, OR, and ER — is intense, with major hospital systems offering significant pay bumps and sign-on bonuses to attract nurses with 3+ years of experience.

RN Salary by Texas City (2026)

Texas nurse pay is highest in its major metro areas. Houston leads due to the concentration of large hospital systems in the Texas Medical Center — the largest medical complex in the world. Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Fort Worth are close behind, all benefiting from strong population growth driving demand.

Highest-Paying Hospitals in Texas

Houston's Texas Medical Center is the largest concentration of healthcare employers in the world, driving the highest RN salaries in the state. UT Southwestern in Dallas and Baylor Scott & White are strong competitors statewide for experienced nurses.

Texas Nurse Pay vs. Cost of Living

Texas has housing costs 25–40% below the national average (outside of Austin). Combined with no state income tax, Texas nurses keep more of what they earn. A $80,000 Texas salary equals roughly $105,000 in California after taxes and cost-of-living adjustment.

No State Income Tax Advantage for Texas Nurses

Texas is one of seven states with no state income tax. On an $85,000 salary, that saves a Texas nurse $4,500–$8,500/year compared to nurses in California or New York.

Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Texas

In Texas, CRNAs earn $198,000, Nurse Practitioners $118,000, and ICU nurses $82,000. The Texas Medical Center in Houston is a major driver of specialty nursing pay, particularly for CRNA and critical care roles.

Travel Nursing in Texas

Texas is a top-5 destination for travel nursing, with weekly rates of $2,200–$2,900. Rural Texas and Level I trauma centers in major metros offer the highest contracts. Texas is a Compact state, making it easy for nurses from other states to pick up Texas assignments without a separate license application.

Night Shift & Overtime Pay in Texas

Texas hospitals offer night shift differentials of 12–20% above base pay. On an $81,510 average salary, consistent night nurses earn $9,800–$16,300 more per year. Weekend differentials typically add 8–15% for Saturday and Sunday shifts. See our complete night shift differential guide for detailed rates by specialty and hospital system.

Overtime in Texas is paid at 1.5x the base hourly rate for hours beyond 40 per week. Because Texas has no state income tax, overtime take-home pay is better here than in comparable-salary states like California or New York. Nurses working one extra shift per week can add $12,000–$20,000 annually on top of base pay.

RN Salary FAQs — Texas