Registered Nurse Salary in Texas

How much can you make as a nurse in Texas? Read on to learn about Texas nurse salaries. 

Average Registered Nurse Salary in Texas

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses in Texas make a mean average salary of  $84,320 per year, or $40.54 per hour. 

Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Texas

Via ZipRecruiter

Nurse Salary in Texas by Years of Experience

Nurses in Texas can earn a higher annual salary as they increase their years of experience.

1. Less than 1 year of experience earn an average hourly wage of $34.59
2. 1-2 years of experience earn an average hourly wage of $37.18
3. 3-5 years of experience earn an average hourly wage of $39.02
4. 6-9 years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $40/43
5. 10 years and higher years of experience earn an average hourly wage of $45.21

Via Indeed

Nurse Salary in Texas by Work Setting

Nurses in Texas can work in a variety of settings:

• Hospitals
• Private practice
• Academia
• Government agencies
• Urgent care
• Outpatient surgical centers
• Nursing care facilities
• Home healthcare
• Schools
• Telehealth
• Research facilities
• Salaries will be dependent on your work location. Typically, nurses in private practice or hospitals will earn more than those in academia. 

The BLS reports that in 2022, the median annual wage for registered nurses working in hospitals was $82,250 while nurses working in education earned an average salary of $65,450. 

How to Increase Your Salary as a Nurse in Texas

There are a variety of factors that are included in determining a nurse’s salary in Texas. Generally speaking, most earn a very high liveable wage compared to nurses in other parts of the country. 

That being said, there are still ways to increase your salary beyond the standard hourly wage. There are several steps you can take that will have a significant impact on what you will be paid. 

Increased Education 

The minimum educational requirement for becoming a nurse is earning a registered nursing degree. This can be accomplished through either a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing program or by earning a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then passing the NCLEX-RN examination. 

Any additional certifications and education that you choose to pursue can have a significant impact on your compensation. Certifications will vary depending on your specialty and nursing field of choice. 

Salary Negotiation 

Most nurses, especially new graduates, will view their salary offer as set in stone. However, the national nursing shortage and demand for experienced nurses have put many in a position to be able to negotiate for a higher salary. 

To put yourself in the best position to negotiate, take time to research what others in your area are being paid and make a list of the special skills or experience that you bring to the facility. 

Practice what you are going to say to the hiring manager, being careful to remain confident and respectful. Be open to the value represented by benefits and perks such as additional vacation days or schedule flexibility. 

Consider Travel Nursing 

As the national nursing shortage rages on, an increasing number of hospitals and private outpatient practices are turning to travel nurses and even crisis nurses. While travel nursing may not be a good fit for everyone,  you can significantly increase the amount of money that you earn in a short period of time. 

Be Flexible With Your Work Schedule

Most nurses work full time (3 - 12 hour shifts per week) in Texas, but there are other ways you can increase your salary potential by considering some of the alternatives listed here: 

• Per Diem – Per diem translates to per day, and per diem nurses get paid for each day that they work. Because they are available on a flexible basis, their hourly pay rate is generally higher than those who work a standard shift. A major downside to per diem nursing is if there is no need on the unit, then you do not receive work shifts. Not working = no paycheck. 

• Contract – Contract nurses sign agreements with a facility promising to work in a position for a specific, limited period of time. Contract nurses have the advantage of knowing the hours and compensation that they will receive and may be offered extensions if the need continues or another opening arises. Travel nursing is a type of contract nursing assignment. 

• Overtime – This is a higher hourly pay provided to those who work beyond a full-time shift, which is usually interpreted as 40 hours per week. It’s important to note that while full-time for nurses might be 36 hours a week, OT will generally not kick in until the standard 40 hours. This means that 4 hours will be at your base pay salary.  Each employer will offer their own overtime pay structure, with some paying time-and-a-half and others as much as triple pay for overtime hours. 

• Shift differential – Shift differential is a higher hourly wage offered to those who are willing to work shifts that are harder to fill, including night shifts, weekends, and holidays. 

• Bonuses – Bonuses may be offered as signing incentives or as rewards for superlative performance. This is very rare in nursing, especially for staff nurses or those at large hospitals. Nurses working in private practices or clinics might be more likely to see bonuses. 

• Hazard Pay – Hazard pay offers nurses a higher rate of pay for working in dangerous or difficult conditions. This is also commonly referred to as crisis pay.  

FAQs

What is a Nurse's Starting Salary in Texas?

Salary.com reports the average new graduate Registered Nurse salary in Texas is $68,081 as of November 2023. The range typically falls between $61,073 and $77,825.

How Much Are Nurses Paid in Texas?

According to the BLS, the average annual salary for nurses is $84,320 or $40.54 per hour in Texas. 

How Much Do BSN Nurses Make in Texas?

ZipRecruiter reports the average annual salary of BSN-prepared nurses in Texas is $87,764 or $42.00 per hour. 

How Much Do 2nd-Year RNs Make in Texas?

According to indeed.com, nurses with two years of experience in Texas earn an average hourly wage of $37.18 per hour.

How Long is RN School in Texas?

Nursing school can be completed in two ways: either a two-year Associate Degree of Nursing program (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

What is the Fastest Way to Become a Nurse in Texas?

The fastest way to become a nurse is to attend a two-year ADN program and then pass the NCLEX-RN examination. 

How Much Does it Cost to Go to Nursing School in Texas?

The cost of nursing school will vary depending on several different factors, including in-state versus out-of-state tuition, ADN versus BSN programs, and traditional versus accelerated programs. Nurse.org ranked the top nursing schools in Texas, and annual tuition costs range from $10,000 to $53,000 per year.