Registered Nurse Salary in Houston, TX (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$96,730
in Houston · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$96,988
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#54
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Houston
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Houston, TX is $96,730 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $8,061/month or $47/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Houston pays 0% less than the typical city.
Houston has a cost of living index of 99.7 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $96,730 in Houston is equivalent to $96,988 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Houston metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Houston
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $128,060 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $62,490 |
| Electrician | $59,060 |
| Accountant | $94,290 |
Full cost of living profile for Houston
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Houston?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Houston, TX is $96,730 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Houston Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Houston Registered Nurse pay ($96,730) is 0% below the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Houston?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 99.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $96,730 salary in Houston has the purchasing power of approximately $96,988 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology