Registered Nurses Salary in Houston, TX

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Median annual salary $97,810 +4.5% vs national
Median hourly $47.02
10th percentile $69,360
90th percentile $125,320
Employed locally 65,300
National median $93,600

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Registered Nurses
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    In Houston, Texas, registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $97,810, which is higher than the national median of $93,600 for this occupation. This salary translates to a median hourly wage of $47.02. When compared to local household incomes, the typical nurse's earnings significantly exceed the area's median household income of $80,458. This indicates that registered nurses in Houston are generally well-compensated relative to other households in the region, reflecting both the critical nature of their work and the demand for healthcare professionals.

    Entry-level registered nurses in Houston typically earn around the 10th percentile mark of $69,360 annually, whereas those with experience and higher qualifications can reach earnings at or near the 75th percentile, which is approximately $105,970 per year. The substantial difference between these figures underscores how experience, specialization, and additional certifications contribute to salary increases within the field. Factors such as advanced skills, leadership roles, and working in high-demand specialties drive this disparity, ensuring that experienced nurses have the potential for significantly higher earnings compared to their entry-level counterparts.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $69,360
    25th
    $79,640
    50th (median)
    $97,810
    75th
    $105,970
    90th
    $125,320

    Houston economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $80,458 2023 • Census ACS
    Registered Nurses salary vs area income 122% Median Registered Nurses salary is 22% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Houston?

    The median hourly wage for Registered Nurses in Houston, TX is $47.02, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $62.71 or more per hour.

    Is Houston above or below average for Registered Nurses salaries?

    The median Registered Nurses salary in Houston, TX is 4.5% above the national median of $93,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Registered Nurses in Houston?

    Entry-level Registered Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $69,360 per year in Houston, TX. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $79,640.