How to Become a Registered Nurses in Texas
Registered Nurses in Texas earn a median salary of $90,010/year, which is 4% below the national average. Texas has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a registered nurses takes home approximately $4,564/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a registered nurses can afford in Texas
Becoming a registered nurses in Texas
Meet education requirements
Registered Nurses positions in Texas typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Texas. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves none in Texas. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Texas licensure or certification
Texas may require specific licensing or professional certification for registered nursess. Requirements vary by state — contact the Texas Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Texas
Texas employs 261,050 registered nurses. The highest concentrations are in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands.
Registered Nurses salary by metro area in Texas
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $99K | $47.47/hr | 72,640 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | $98K | $47.02/hr | 65,300 |
| Killeen-Temple | $95K | $45.77/hr | 5,440 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | $95K | $45.63/hr | 18,420 |
| Midland | $88K | $42.53/hr | 1,080 |
| Waco | $87K | $41.98/hr | 2,520 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $87K | $41.88/hr | 23,390 |
| Amarillo | $84K | $40.29/hr | 2,830 |
| El Paso | $81K | $39.13/hr | 6,980 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $81K | $39.03/hr | 2,880 |
| Corpus Christi | $81K | $38.87/hr | 4,240 |
| Sherman-Denison | $81K | $38.87/hr | 1,570 |
| Victoria | $81K | $38.7/hr | 1,060 |
| Wichita Falls | $80K | $38.28/hr | 1,450 |
| Longview | $79K | $38.12/hr | 2,020 |
Registered Nurses salary range in Texas
Registered Nurses careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurses make in Texas?▼
The median registered nurses salary in Texas is $90,010 per year ($43.27/hr). This is 4% below the national median of $93,600. Salaries range from $64,660 to $122,060.
What are the requirements to become a registered nurses in Texas?▼
Registered Nurses positions in Texas typically require Bachelor's degree. Texas may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Texas licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a registered nurses afford to live in Texas?▼
At the median salary of $90,010, a registered nurses in Texas would take home approximately $5,976/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 23.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for registered nurses in Texas?▼
The highest paying metro areas for registered nurses in Texas are Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ($98,740), Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands ($97,810), Killeen-Temple ($95,210). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Texas have state income tax for registered nurses?▼
No, Texas does not have a state income tax. This means registered nurses keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.