What the numbers say
With 18,420 Registered Nurses employed in the Austin metro, this is one of the larger nursing workforces in Texas. The 2024 median annual wage came in at $94,900, about 5% above the Texas median of $90,010 and roughly in line with the national median of $94,511.
The mean wage of $93,060 sits just below the median, which is unusual. In most markets the average runs above the median because top earners pull it up. Here the reverse holds, suggesting Austin's nursing workforce skews toward mid-career roles rather than a concentration of highly paid specialists or managers.
The spread from the 10th to the 90th percentile runs from $64,210 to $122,820, a gap of about $58,600. A nurse at the bottom of the range earns roughly 68 cents for every dollar earned by one near the top. That kind of spread typically reflects differences in specialty, setting (hospital vs. outpatient clinic vs. home health), and years on the job.
The 25th-to-75th percentile range is tighter: $78,150 to $102,840. For most Austin nurses, that $24,700 band captures where salaries actually cluster. The six-figure threshold sits at the 75th percentile, so it is reachable but not typical.
Salary distribution
Where Austin registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $81,540 and $106,450, with a median of $97,890.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Registered Nurses
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesOther metros in Texas
How the Austin metro compares to other major Texas metro areas for registered nurses.
- Dallas$101,420
- Houston$99,830
- San Antonio$94,370
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Austin, Texas?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Austin metropolitan area is $97,890.
- Does Austin pay more than the Texas state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Austin metro median is +2.0% versus the Texas state median of $95,970.
- How does Austin compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Austin metro median is -0.4% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Austin?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $73,440 and the 90th-percentile at $127,510 for the Austin metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Austin CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.