Registered Nurse Salary in Houston
2026 compensation data for Registered Nurse positions in Houston, TX. Ranges from $54,000 (entry-level) to $129,000 (senior). Median: $84,000.
Median (Mid)
$84,000
$40.38/hr
vs National
+4%
US: $81,000
COL Index
102
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$129,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $54,000 | $63,000 | $74,000 | $30.29/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $71,000 | $84,000 | $99,000 | $40.38/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $94,000 | $109,000 | $129,000 | $52.4/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Houston
A mid-level registered nurse earning $84,000 in Houston has the same buying power as $82,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 102).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Registered Nurse Salaries in Houston
The median registered nurse salary in Houston, TX is $84,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 4% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 102 (national average = 100), Houston offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level registered nurses in Houston can expect to earn between $54,000 and $74,000 (about $30.29/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $129,000 ($129K annually, or about $62.02/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Houston
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Houston?+
The average Registered Nurse salary in Houston is $84,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $63,000 and senior-level pay reaches $109,000.
How much does an entry-level registered nurse make in Houston?+
Entry-level registered nurses in Houston earn between $54,000 and $74,000, with a median of $63,000 per year (about $30.29/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Registered Nurse in Houston?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Registered Nurse in Houston earns roughly $30.29/hour at entry-level, $40.38/hour at mid-level, and $52.4/hour at senior-level.
Is the Registered Nurse salary in Houston higher than the US average?+
Yes — Registered Nurse salaries in Houston are about 4% higher than the US national median of $81,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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