2026 Salary Data · Healthcare

Registered Nurse Salary in Austin, TX

A complete 2026 breakdown of what Registered Nurses earn in Austin — base salary, hourly rate, top employers, and tips for negotiating the highest offer. With percentile data and cost-of-living context.

Registered Nurse Pay in Austin (2026)

$93,500
Median annual
$44.95
Hourly rate
$70,125
25th percentile
$121,550
75th percentile
$154,275
90th percentile
+10%
vs national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

ExperienceAnnual SalaryHourly Rate
Entry-level (0-2 years)$60,775 - $79,47529 - 38/hr
Mid-level (3-5 years)$84,150 - $107,52440 - 51/hr
Senior (6-10 years)$107,524 - $135,57551 - 65/hr
Lead/Principal (10+ years)$130,899 - $172,97562 - 83/hr

Salary Comparison: Austin vs Other Major Cities

CityMedian Salary
New York, NY$79,475
San Francisco, CA$112,200
Chicago, IL$93,500
Austin$93,500
Houston, TX$79,475
Phoenix, AZ$93,500

Top Employers Hiring Registered Nurses in Austin

Major employers in Austin hiring Registered Nurses include:

How to Maximize Your Registered Nurse Salary in Austin

  1. Specialize in a high-demand area. ICU, ER, or specialized surgery command 10-20% premiums in Austin.
  2. Get certified. Industry certifications like ACLS, PALS, or specialty certifications often come with 5-15% raises.
  3. Switch employers every 2-3 years. Job-switchers typically get 15-30% raises vs. 3-5% annual raises.
  4. Negotiate your starting salary. Use our Negotiation Script generator. Most people who negotiate get 10-20% more than the initial offer.
  5. Build a portfolio of side work. Freelance Registered Nurse income can add 20-40% to your base.

Cost of Living Adjustment

$93,500 in Austin goes further or less far depending on cost of living. With housing costs of ~$1450/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, your take-home after housing is approximately $76,100/year. See full cost of living in Austin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Austin?

The average Registered Nurse salary in Austin is $93,500/year ($44.95/hour). The 25th percentile earns $70,125/year, the 75th percentile earns $121,550/year, and the 90th percentile earns $154,275/year.

Is Registered Nurse a good career in Austin?

Registered Nurse is a high-growth career in Austin with a strong job market. The median salary is above the national average for this role.

What is the highest paying Registered Nurse job in Austin?

Top earners (90th percentile) in Austin make $154,275/year. These are typically senior Registered Nurses with 10+ years of experience, often in management or specialized roles.

⚠️ Estimate only. Salary data based on 2026 BLS, Glassdoor, and Payscale data. Actual offers depend on experience, employer, and negotiation. Full disclaimer.