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Registered Nurse Salary in Houston, TX

How much does a registered nurse make in Houston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Houston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$97,810
per year in Houston
Entry Level
$69,324
Starting salary
Senior Level
$136,128
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how registered nurse salaries break down across different pay periods in Houston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$69,324$97,810$136,128
Monthly$5,777$8,151$11,344
Biweekly$2,666$3,762$5,236
Weekly$1,333$1,881$2,618
Hourly$33$47$65

Houston vs National Average

How Houston's registered nurse salaries compare to national figures.

Houston Salary
$97,810
COL Index: 99
National Average
$83,440
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$14,370
Higher in Houston

Cost of Living in Houston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$56,203
per year
Population
2,320,268
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Houston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Registered Nurse

Overview

Provide patient care and coordinate treatment in hospitals and clinical settings.

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing; RN license required

Key Skills

Patient CareMedical KnowledgeCommunicationClinical Assessment

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Registered Nurse Salary

See Registered Nurse salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$113,490
+16%
Los Angeles, CA
$133,440
+36%
Chicago, IL
$96,480
-1%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,160
+0%
Philadelphia, PA
$99,210
+1%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a registered nurse salary in Houston.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Houston.

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Registered Nurse Salary in Houston, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a registered nurse in Houston, TX is $97,810 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Houston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level registered nurse professionals in Houston can expect to earn around $69,324 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level registered nurses earning approximately $136,128 per year. This represents a 96% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Houston's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Houston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $83,440, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a registered nurse's salary in Houston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 17.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Registered Nurses are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Houston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.