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Registered Nurse Salary in Austin, TX β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Austin's cost of living (index: 121). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Austin β€” Key Numbers

$104,145
Median Salary
$83,357
25th Percentile
$130,305
75th Percentile
$160,543
90th Percentile
National median (Registered Nurse)$86,070
vs. National median+21.0%
Austin median household income$83,800
vs. City household income+24.3%

Cost of Living in Austin

Cost of Living Index
121(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,300/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio15.0%
Annual rent cost$15,600
Median Home Price$500,000
Home Price / Salary4.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$100,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Austin

3.1%
Unemployment Rate
2,300,000
Metro Population
27 min
Avg Commute
34
Median Age

Austin has a metro population of 2,300,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.1% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Austin, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in Austin is $104,145 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by Austin's cost of living index (121). The typical salary range runs from $83,357 (25th percentile) to $130,305 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $160,543.

Is Austin affordable for a Registered Nurse?

On a $104,145 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in Austin would spend approximately 15.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,300/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Austin relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $500,000 is 4.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Registered Nurse's salary compare to Austin's overall income?

Austin's median household income is $83,800. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $104,145 earns 24.3% more than the typical Austin household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.