Nursing Jobs

Nursing Jobs in Texas: A Complete Guide for RNs, LPNs & Travel Nurses (2025)

5/12/2026 · Nursing Jobs US Team

Nursing Jobs in Texas: A Complete Guide for RNs, LPNs & Travel Nurses (2025)

Quick Summary

  • Average RN pay: $72,000–$105,000/year
  • Travel nurse pay: $2,200–$3,800/week
  • Top demand: ICU, ER, med-surg, OR, and L&D across major TX hospital systems
  • Biggest markets: Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso
  • Key advantage: No state income tax + one of the largest healthcare systems in the US

Why Texas Is a Top State for Nurses

Texas has the second-largest healthcare economy in the country. With over 600 hospitals, dozens of major health systems, and a population that just crossed 30 million and keeps growing, the demand for nurses here is structural — not seasonal.

The state faces a well-documented nursing shortage, which means hospitals compete hard for qualified RNs. Sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and competitive shift differentials are common. Travel nurse contracts are abundant year-round, especially in ICU, ER, and surgical specialties.

Texas is also an NLC compact state — if you hold a compact license issued by your home state, you can work in Texas without applying for a separate TX license.

🏥 Browse open positions: See all nursing jobs in Texas →

Types of Nursing Jobs Available in Texas

  • Staff RN — Full-time hospital positions at major systems (HCA, Baylor Scott & White, UT Health, Memorial Hermann)
  • Travel nurse — 8–13 week contracts, highest pay, all specialties in demand
  • Per diem / PRN — Flexible shifts at hospitals and outpatient clinics
  • LPN / LVN — Strong market in long-term care, home health, and outpatient clinics
  • CNA — High demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health statewide
  • ICU / Critical Care — Premium pay, especially in Houston and DFW trauma centers
  • ER / Emergency — Level I trauma centers in every major city hiring year-round

Average Nursing Pay in Texas (2025)

RoleAvg AnnualAvg Weekly (Travel)
Registered Nurse (RN)$72,000 – $98,000/yr—
Travel Nurse—$2,200 – $3,800/week
ICU / Critical Care RN$85,000 – $105,000/yr—
LPN / LVN$52,000 – $68,000/yr—
CNA$35,000 – $45,000/yr—
Nurse Practitioner$118,000 – $145,000/yr—

Texas has no state income tax — take-home pay is meaningfully higher than equivalent salaries in states like California or New York.

Top Cities for Nursing Jobs in Texas

Houston — The largest healthcare market in TX. Texas Medical Center is the biggest medical complex in the world, employing over 100,000 healthcare workers. ICU, OR, oncology, and transplant nursing are especially strong here.

Dallas-Fort Worth — Second-largest market. Baylor Scott & White, UT Southwestern, and Methodist Health System all run major hiring operations. Strong travel and staff market across all specialties.

San Antonio — Military healthcare (Brooke Army Medical Center), plus major civilian systems. Growing market with slightly lower cost of living than Houston or DFW.

Austin — Fastest-growing city in TX. St. David's and Ascension Seton are the major systems. High demand, especially for travel nurses, as the healthcare infrastructure hasn't caught up with population growth yet.

El Paso — Border city with its own unique market. University Medical Center of El Paso is the only Level I trauma center in the region. Bilingual (Spanish/English) nurses have a strong advantage here.

What Texas Nurses Need to Know

NLC Compact State — Texas is a compact state. If your home state issued your license and is also compact, you can practice in TX without a separate application. If not, apply for a TX endorsement through the Texas Board of Nursing.

Nurse-to-Patient Ratios — Texas does not have mandated ratios like California. Staffing levels vary significantly by facility — ask about ratios during interviews.

Texas Medical Center — TMC in Houston is worth understanding if you're considering the Houston market. It's not a single hospital but a complex of 60+ institutions. Nurses here work at the cutting edge of transplant, oncology, and cardiac care.

How to Get Hired Fast in Texas

  1. Verify your compact license status or apply for TX endorsement early — processing takes 4–8 weeks
  2. Target Houston and DFW first — most openings, most competition from agencies for travel contracts
  3. Get ACLS certified before applying to hospital RN positions — most require it
  4. ICU and ER experience commands the highest pay in TX; if you have it, lead with it
  5. For travel nursing, sign with 2–3 agencies simultaneously to compare contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do RNs make in Texas? Staff RNs typically earn $72,000–$98,000/year depending on specialty and facility. ICU and OR nurses at major Houston systems often clear $100,000+. Travel nurses earn $2,200–$3,800/week depending on specialty and contract terms.

Is Texas a compact state for nursing? Yes. Texas joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so nurses with a multistate license from another compact state can practice in TX without a separate application. Check NCSBN's website to confirm your home state is also compact.

Are travel nursing contracts good in Texas? Very. Texas consistently ranks among the top states for travel nurse volume. Contracts are available year-round in ICU, ER, med-surg, L&D, and OR. Houston, DFW, and Austin have the most active markets.

What's the job market like for LPNs in Texas? Strong, particularly in long-term care, home health, and outpatient settings. LPNs in TX typically earn $52,000–$68,000. The scope of practice is broader than in some other states, which means more opportunities.

Do I need Spanish to work in Texas? Not required statewide, but bilingual nurses have a significant advantage in El Paso, San Antonio, and parts of Houston. Some facilities actively recruit Spanish-speaking staff and pay differentials for it.

Ready to Start Working in Texas?

Find Texas Nursing Jobs

Popular Nursing Job Categories (Nationwide)

Browse open positions by specialty across the US:

Related State Guides

👉 Back to the Nursing Blog