How does a Registered Nurse's salary in Houston compare to the rest of Texas?

Houston's cost of living index is 101 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $86,931 earns $19,131 more than the median household income in Houston ($67,800).

Registered Nurse Salary in Houston, TX — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Houston's cost of living (index: 101). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Houston — Key Numbers

$86,931

Median Salary

$69,579

25th Percentile

$108,767

75th Percentile

$134,007

90th Percentile

National median (Registered Nurse)$86,070

vs. National median+1.0%

Houston median household income$67,800

vs. City household income+28.2%

Cost of Living in Houston

Cost of Living Index

101(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,262/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio17.4%

Annual rent cost$15,144

Median Home Price$320,000

Home Price / Salary3.7×

20% Down Payment$64,000

Years to save (20% rate)3.7 yrs

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

Job Market in Houston

4.2%

Unemployment Rate

7,470,000

Metro Population

29 min

Avg Commute

34.5

Median Age

Houston has a metro population of 7,470,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Houston

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Cost of Living — Houston

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Registered Nurse Salary in Texas

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Houston

Physician$231,593 Chief Executive Officer$212,100 Dentist$177,265 IT Manager$171,205 Marketing Manager$159,196 Lawyer$147,218

Registered Nurse Salary — Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX$90,374 San Antonio, TX$79,184 Austin, TX$104,145 Fort Worth, TX$85,209 El Paso, TX$72,299

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in Houston is $86,931 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by Houston's cost of living index (101). The typical salary range runs from $69,579 (25th percentile) to $108,767 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $134,007.

Is Houston affordable for a Registered Nurse?

On a $86,931 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in Houston would spend approximately 17.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,262/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Houston relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $320,000 is 3.7× the annual salary.

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

Houston's median household income is $67,800. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $86,931 earns 28.2% more than the typical Houston household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Registered Nurse — National Registered Nurse in Texas All Salary Guides

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.