For those considering a career in healthcare, registered nursing (RN) stands out as one of the most stable, in-demand, and rewarding professions available. In a large and rapidly growing state like Texas, the need for skilled nurses is immense, creating a competitive landscape that translates into strong financial potential. If you're asking, "What is the RN salary in Texas per hour?" you're asking the right question.
The short answer is that registered nurses in Texas earn a competitive hourly wage, with the state average hovering around $44.80 per hour. However, this figure is just the starting point. Your actual earnings can vary significantly based on your experience, location, education, and specialization.
This in-depth guide will break down everything you need to know about RN salaries in the Lone Star State, helping you navigate your career path with confidence.
What Does a Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the role. A Registered Nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who plays a central role in patient care. They are the backbone of hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Key responsibilities include:
- Assessing and monitoring patient conditions.
- Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Developing and implementing nursing care plans.
- Operating and monitoring medical equipment.
- Educating patients and their families on managing illnesses and injuries.
- Collaborating with doctors, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
The role is a dynamic blend of technical skill, critical thinking, and profound compassion, making it a challenging yet deeply fulfilling career.
Average RN Salary in Texas per Hour
When analyzing salary data, it's best to consult multiple authoritative sources to get a complete picture. Here’s how the hourly wages for Registered Nurses in Texas break down:
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average (mean) hourly wage for a Registered Nurse in Texas is $44.80, which translates to an annual salary of approximately $93,180 (May 2023 data).
However, an average doesn't tell the whole story. A more detailed look at the salary range reveals the potential for growth:
- Entry-Level (Bottom 10%): Earn around $30.86 per hour ($64,190 annually).
- Mid-Range (Median/50th Percentile): The median wage is $42.02 per hour ($87,400 annually), which is often a more accurate representation of a typical nurse's earnings.
- Experienced (Top 10%): Highly experienced or specialized RNs can earn $60.70 per hour or more ($126,260+ annually).
Reputable salary aggregators provide similar figures, reflecting real-time job market data:
- Salary.com reports the average RN salary in Texas is around $42 per hour, with a typical range falling between $38 and $47 per hour.
- Indeed lists an average base salary of $42.16 per hour based on thousands of user-submitted data points and job postings.
These figures confirm that Texas offers a robust salary for RNs, competitive with many other states and well above the national average for all occupations.
Key Factors That Influence RN Salary in Texas
Your base salary is not set in stone. Several key factors can significantly increase your hourly earning potential. Understanding these levers is crucial for maximizing your income throughout your career.
### Level of Education
The educational path you choose is the foundation of your nursing career and salary.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is the fastest route to becoming an RN, typically taking two years. It provides the essential skills to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and get licensed.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year degree is increasingly becoming the standard, especially in major hospital systems. Many institutions with Magnet Recognition—a prestigious credential for nursing excellence—require or strongly prefer BSN-prepared nurses. A BSN often leads to a higher starting salary and opens more doors for leadership and specialized roles.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): While this guide focuses on RN roles, it's important to note that an MSN degree prepares you for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). These advanced roles come with substantially higher salaries, often exceeding $60-$100 per hour.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most direct influencers of pay. As you accumulate years of hands-on experience, your skills, efficiency, and clinical judgment sharpen, making you a more valuable asset.
- New Graduate RN (0-1 year): You will likely start near the lower end of the salary range (around the 10th-25th percentile, or $30-$35 per hour).
- Mid-Career RN (5-9 years): With solid experience, you can expect to earn at or above the median hourly wage ($42+ per hour).
- Senior RN (10+ years): Highly experienced nurses, especially those who take on roles as charge nurses, preceptors, or clinical leaders, command salaries in the top 25th percentile and above ($50+ per hour).
### Geographic Location
In a state as vast as Texas, where you work matters. Major metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living and a greater concentration of large medical centers typically offer higher wages to attract talent.
Here's a comparison of average hourly wages for RNs in different Texas metropolitan areas (Source: BLS, May 2023):
- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: $47.46 per hour
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: $45.47 per hour
- Austin-Round Rock: $44.62 per hour
- San Antonio-New Braunfels: $41.67 per hour
- El Paso: $38.86 per hour
- Nonmetropolitan Areas (e.g., North Texas region): $36.21 per hour
Working in a major hub like Houston could earn you over $11 per hour more than in some rural parts of the state—a significant difference over the course of a year.
### Company Type (Work Environment)
The type of facility where you work also plays a critical role in your compensation.
- Large, Private Hospitals: Major hospital systems (like HCA Houston Healthcare, Baylor Scott & White, or Memorial Hermann) are often the highest-paying employers due to the complexity of care they provide.
- Government Facilities: Federal employers, such as Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, are known for offering competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and strong retirement packages.
- Outpatient Care Centers/Surgical Centers: These facilities often offer more regular hours (no nights or weekends) but may have a slightly lower hourly wage compared to high-intensity inpatient hospital settings.
- Home Health Care Services: These roles offer autonomy but pay can vary widely based on the agency and patient load.
- Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: These facilities typically offer wages on the lower end of the spectrum compared to acute care hospitals.
### Area of Specialization
Specializing in a high-demand, high-skill area is one of the most effective ways to boost your hourly wage. Certifications in these fields demonstrate advanced expertise and are highly valued by employers. High-paying specialties include:
- Critical Care (ICU): Caring for the most critically ill patients requires intense focus and advanced skills.
- Operating Room (OR)/Perioperative Nurse: Assisting in surgeries is a high-responsibility role that commands a higher salary.
- Emergency Room (ER): The fast-paced, high-stress environment of the ER requires quick thinking and a broad skill set.
- Cardiac Catheterization Lab: A highly technical and procedural specialty focused on cardiac diagnostics and interventions.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Caring for premature and critically ill newborns is a delicate and highly specialized field.
Nurses in these areas often earn a "specialty differential" or bonus on top of their base hourly rate.
Job Outlook for Registered Nurses in Texas
The future for Registered Nurses in Texas is incredibly bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for RNs is projected to grow 6% nationally from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This demand is even more pronounced in Texas due to the state's significant population growth, an aging baby-boomer population requiring more healthcare services, and an increased emphasis on preventive care. This sustained demand ensures strong job security and continued upward pressure on wages for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion: A Promising Path in the Lone Star State
A career as a Registered Nurse in Texas is a stable, respected, and financially sound choice. With an average hourly wage around $44.80 and a clear path to earning over $60 per hour, the financial rewards are substantial.
Remember, your earning potential is in your hands. By investing in your education (pursuing a BSN), gaining valuable experience, choosing a strategic location, and developing a sought-after specialty, you can significantly elevate your salary and build a prosperous long-term career. If you are driven by a desire to help others and are looking for a profession with immense growth opportunities, nursing in Texas is an exceptional path to consider.