Houston, Texas RN Salary
The median Registered Nurse salary in Houston, Texas is $81,927 as of 2023. The pay ranges from the highest 10% of Registered Nurses making $148,035 and the lowest 10% making $15,297. 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 collaborate with healthcare teams to develop and implement care plans. They 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 Houston, TX?
The median wage for Registered Nurses in Houston, Texas is $37 per hour in the US according to ZipRecruiter salary data.
What does a Registered Nurse do?
Registered Nurses (RNs) are often the first point of contact for patients entering the healthcare system. They conduct initial assessments, monitor vital signs, and continuously evaluate patients’ health throughout their treatment. RNs are responsible for administering medications, performing treatments, and educating patients on managing their conditions, all while ensuring the patient remains comfortable and informed during their care.
Beyond direct clinical tasks, RNs handle administrative duties such as updating patient records, following established care plans, and ensuring that all healthcare protocols and safety standards are met. Acting as advocates, they work to ensure that patients' needs, preferences, and rights are respected throughout their care journey.
Want to learn more about the duties of Registered Nurses? Read our full article here.
Highest paying nursing agencies for RNs in Houston, TX
How to increase your salary as a RN in Houston, TX
1. Pursue Specialized Certifications
Specialized certifications not only deepen your expertise but also make you more valuable to employers. Nurses with specialized skills are often compensated at a higher rate than those in general practice. Some of the high-demand certifications in Houston include:
- Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) – Operating room nurses are in high demand, and this certification can lead to higher salaries.
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) – Critical care nurses in Houston, especially those working in intensive care units (ICU), often earn a premium.
- Wound Care Certified (WCC) – With the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, wound care is a growing field that pays well.
- Pediatric Nursing Certification (CPN) – Houston has several large pediatric hospitals, and having this certification can significantly boost your salary.
2. Advance Your Education
Higher education levels often lead to higher salaries. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) typically earn more than those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Furthermore, pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can open doors to advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), or Nurse Educators, which typically come with significantly higher pay.
Houston has several well-regarded nursing schools where you can pursue further education, including the University of Texas Health Science Center and Baylor College of Medicine. Additionally, many healthcare institutions offer tuition reimbursement programs, so it’s worth investigating whether your employer can help cover educational costs.
3. Explore Leadership Roles
Leadership roles often come with a salary bump. Consider pursuing roles such as:
- Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse: These positions come with added responsibilities like overseeing staff, coordinating care, and managing budgets, but they often come with a higher paycheck.
- Director of Nursing (DON): This is a more senior role that typically requires advanced education and extensive experience, but it offers significantly higher compensation.
- Nurse Educator or Nurse Mentor: Educators and mentors can help train new nurses or provide continuing education for current staff. These roles are not only fulfilling but often come with increased pay.
If you’re interested in leadership, consider enrolling in management or leadership courses, many of which are offered online or locally in Houston.
4. Gain Experience in High-Demand Specialties
Certain nursing specialties are in higher demand than others, and those in these areas typically earn higher salaries. Some of the high-demand and high-paying specialties in Houston include:
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nursing
- Emergency Room (ER) Nursing
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nursing
- Surgical Nursing
- Oncology Nursing
Gaining experience in these critical care areas or others that are in high demand can significantly boost your salary potential. Additionally, working at hospitals that handle highly complex cases, like Houston Methodist or Texas Children's Hospital, can further improve your compensation.
5. Take Advantage of Shift Differentials
In Houston, many hospitals offer shift differentials for nurses who work non-traditional hours, such as night shifts, weekends, or holidays. Shift differentials can add a considerable amount to your base pay, especially if you’re willing to work long hours or in more demanding environments like the ER or ICU.
- Night Shifts: These typically pay more than day shifts. Many hospitals in Houston offer extra hourly pay for nurses working from 7 PM to 7 AM.
- Weekend and Holiday Shifts: Many healthcare facilities provide a premium for nurses willing to work on weekends and holidays, which can significantly boost your earnings.
6. Consider Travel Nursing
Houston is a large metropolitan area with a high demand for travel nurses. Travel nursing typically offers higher pay, along with housing stipends, meal allowances, and other benefits. As a travel nurse, you can work temporary assignments at various hospitals in Houston or even across the country.
While travel nursing requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to new environments, the financial rewards can be substantial, especially for RNs with specialized skills.
7. Negotiate Your Salary
It’s essential to negotiate your salary, especially if you're taking on a new role or have completed additional certifications or education. Before negotiating, research the average salary for RNs in your specialty and experience level in Houston. Websites like Glassdoor and Payscale can help you understand the salary ranges in your field.
When negotiating, be prepared to showcase your skills, certifications, and experience. Highlight any additional responsibilities you've taken on, such as mentoring junior nurses or leading projects. In some cases, even a small salary increase can have a significant impact over time.
8. Join Professional Nursing Organizations
Being part of a professional nursing organization can provide valuable networking opportunities and access to continuing education, conferences, and job openings. In Houston, consider joining:
- Texas Nurses Association (TNA)
- Houston Area Nurse Practitioners (HANP)
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
These organizations often offer resources for career advancement, as well as forums where you can discuss salary and career growth with peers. They also help you stay informed about legislative changes and industry trends that could affect your earning potential.
9. Consider Per Diem or PRN Roles
Working per diem or PRN (pro re nata) allows you to choose shifts based on your availability. These roles typically pay more per hour because they do not come with benefits like healthcare, but for nurses looking to maximize their earnings, it’s a viable option.
Many hospitals in Houston offer PRN roles, especially during peak times or for nurses with specialized skills. This flexibility allows you to supplement your income while gaining experience in different healthcare settings.