Registered Nurses salary in Houston, Texas

With 65,300 Registered Nurses employed in the Houston metro, this is one of the largest nursing workforces in the country. The 2024 median annual wage came in at $97,810, about 9% above the Texas median of $90,010 and roughly 3% above the national median of $94,511.

The average wage of $96,730 sits just below the median, which is unusual. In most large metros, a smaller group of high earners pulls the average up. Houston's numbers suggest relatively even pay distribution across experience levels rather than a wide gap between entry-level and senior nurses.

That said, the spread from bottom to top is still substantial. Nurses at the 10th percentile earned around $69,360, while those at the 90th earned $125,320. Top earners make about 1.8 times what those at the lower end take home. The gap likely reflects differences in specialty, certifications, and how long someone has been in the field, along with variation across Houston's many hospital systems, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Compared to the state, Houston consistently outpays the Texas median by a meaningful margin. That $7,800 gap is notable given that Texas has no state income tax, which affects how far a wage actually goes. Houston also sits in a lower cost-of-living tier than major coastal metros, so the $97,810 median carries more weight than the same number would in a city like San Francisco or New York.