Texas RN Salary
The median Texas Registered Nurse salary is $83,839 as of 2023. The pay ranges from the highest 10% of Registered Nurses making $139,749 and the lowest 10% making $14,441. Our salary data for RNs is consolidated from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ZipRecruiter salary data.
Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, assess health conditions, and work with healthcare teams to develop and implement care plans. They regularly administer medications, perform diagnostic tests, monitor patient progress, and educate patients and their families about health conditions. RNs also assist with procedures, advocate for patient needs, and ensure that healthcare standards and safety protocols are followed.
How Much Do RNs Make Per Hour in Texas?
The median wage for Registered Nurses in Texas is $40 per hour in the US according to ZipRecruiter salary data.
What does a Registered Nurse do?
RNs are licensed healthcare professionals responsible for a variety of patient care tasks. Primary registered nurse duties include assessing patient health issues, creating and executing nursing care plans, and maintaining medical documentation. RNs also administer care to patients who are ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled and may provide patients guidance on health maintenance and disease prevention.
Want to learn more about the duties of a RN? Read our full article here.
Highest paying nursing agencies for Texas RNs
Top paying cities for Texas Registered Nurses
According to ZipRecruiter data
| City | Average Annual Salary |
| Emory | $102k |
| Emerald Bay | $102k |
| Dripping Springs | $98k |
| Manor | $96k |
| Manchaca | $96k |
| La Grange | $95k |
| Columbia | $95k |
| Justin | $94k |
| Seminole | $94k |
How to increase your salary as a RN in Texas
1. Pursue Advanced Education
One of the most direct ways to increase your salary is by furthering your education. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or even a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) can qualify you for higher-paying positions, such as nurse practitioner (NP), nurse educator, or nurse manager. Specialized degrees can open doors to leadership roles and advanced practice positions, often accompanied by higher salaries.
2. Obtain Specialty Certifications
Specializing in critical areas of nursing can significantly increase your salary. Certifications such as Critical Care (CCRN), Emergency Nursing (CEN), or Operating Room (CNOR) demonstrate advanced skills and expertise that are highly valued in healthcare settings. Employers often offer higher pay for nurses with specialized skills, especially in high-demand areas like critical care and emergency medicine.
3. Move into Leadership or Administrative Roles
Moving into leadership or administrative positions, such as nurse manager, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer, can substantially raise your earnings. These positions require additional experience or education but come with the opportunity to oversee teams, implement policies, and manage operations, all of which come with higher compensation.
4. Work Overtime or Pick Up Extra Shifts
Many healthcare facilities in Texas offer overtime pay or shift differentials for working nights, weekends, or holidays. Picking up additional shifts during high-demand periods or staffing shortages can significantly boost your income over the course of a year.
5. Explore Travel Nursing or Per Diem Work
Travel nursing is an excellent way to earn more, particularly in high-demand regions. Travel nurses in Texas can take short-term contracts in various locations, often with premium pay, housing stipends, and other benefits. Per diem work allows you to work as needed, typically at a higher hourly rate, providing flexibility and increased earning potential.
6. Negotiate Your Salary
Always negotiate your salary, whether you're starting a new position or seeking a raise in your current one. Research the average salary for your role in Texas, factoring in your experience and certifications, and use this data to advocate for a higher wage. Emphasizing your performance and unique skills during salary negotiations can also help secure a pay increase.
7. Relocate to Higher-Paying Areas
Salaries for RNs can vary depending on the region. Metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin typically offer higher salaries due to increased demand and higher living costs. Additionally, rural or underserved areas in Texas may offer incentives or higher pay for nurses willing to relocate, further boosting your income.