Texas Nurses Association (TNA): The Texas Nurses Association is one of the largest and most influential professional nursing organizations in the state. It supports all levels of nursing, including ADN-prepared nurses. TNA focuses on advocacy, policy change, continuing education and professional development.
By: All Nursing Schools Staff
What salary can ADN-prepared Texas nurses earn?
Texas has a warm climate, vibrant cultural scene and access to outdoor recreation, which can lead to a more enjoyable work-life balance. If you prefer living in big cities or quiet rural areas, Texas offers both.
The following factors make Texas a top choice for ADN-prepared nurses looking for stability, growth and quality of life:
High demand for nurses and job security
- Texas has a rapidly growing population, especially in urban areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. This growth, combined with an aging population, has increased the demand for nurses. From large hospitals to rural health facilities and community health centers, Texas offers a variety of job opportunities for nurses at all levels, including ADN-prepared nurses. Plus, the nursing shortage in Texas is well-documented, making it a stable career choice with long-term job security.
Competitive salary and benefits
- The average salary for nurses in Texas is competitive, with ADN-prepared nurses earning salaries well above the cost of living in many areas, particularly in cities like Houston and Dallas. Some hospitals in Texas may offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement for further education and loan repayment programs for nurses, making it easier to advance your career or reduce student debt.
Opportunities for career growth and advancement
- Texas supports ADN-to-BSN (RN-to-BSN) programs, sometimes with employer-sponsored tuition assistance. This makes it easy to further your education while working. Some Texas hospitals may also offer opportunities for nurses to specialize in high-demand areas like critical care, labor and delivery and pediatrics. Texas is known for valuing and supporting its nurses. Many hospitals are Magnet-recognized, meaning they prioritize nursing excellence and encourage professional development.
In this Article
Quick view | Salary statistics | Factors affecting salaries in Texas | Earning an ADN | Cost of living considerations | Professional resources in Texas
Snapshot of ADN registered nurses in Texas
Texas has roughly 251,840 people employed as RNs says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This makes Texas the second highest employer of registered nurses in the country and amounts to approximately 18 people working as RNs in Texas for every 1,000 people that live in the state. The median wage per hour is $43, just under the national average of $45. The forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.9%.
The following employers not only provide diverse settings for ADN-prepared RNs but may also offer pathways for career advancement. Whether you’re looking for hospital work, outpatient care or roles in research and education, these five organizations offer a range of opportunities across Texas:
- Texas Health Resources, Headquartered in Arlington, TX, with hospitals and clinics in Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding areas:
- RNs work in medical-surgical, ICU and emergency departments and opportunities may exist in labor & delivery, cardiac care and oncology. Texas Health Resources also runs outpatient clinics and home health programs, offering RNs the chance to work outside the hospital.
- HCA Healthcare (Hospital Corporation of America), Locations across Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth and rural areas of Texas:
- RNs have opportunities in women’s health, neonatal care and cardiovascular units. HCA offers travel nurse positions and float pool opportunities, allowing ADN-prepared RNs to gain diverse experience. HCA also emphasizes training and advancement for RNs, making it possible to move into charge nurse or nurse manager roles.
- Baylor Scott & White Health, Headquartered in Dallas with hospitals and clinics throughout Central and North Texas:
- Baylor operates a network of primary care clinics, where RNs help manage chronic disease care and patient education. RNs can work in behavioral health, pediatrics and cardiac care, gaining experience in specialized fields. Baylor promotes ADN-to-BSN transitions, offering tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs.
- UT Southwestern Medical Center,Based in Dallas with academic ties to the University of Texas system:
- UT Southwestern operates advanced care units for oncology, transplant services and neurology. RNs at UT Southwestern work alongside medical students and residents, playing a role in teaching and mentoring. Since it is an academic medical center, RNs can transition to advanced roles such as clinical nurse specialist or nurse educator.
- CHI St. Luke’s Health, Located in Houston with satellite facilities in the Greater Houston area and rural parts of Texas:
- As a leader in cancer treatment, St. Luke’s employs RNs in advanced oncology units. RNs have roles in community-based care, including home health visits and hospice services. As part of a large healthcare system, CHI offers management tracks for ADN-prepared RNs and may support further education through tuition assistance.
ADN RN salary stats for Texas
The median annual salary for registered nurses with an ADN in Texas ranks slightly below the national median of $93,600, however the cost of living in certain areas of Texas is also lower. However, it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on factors such as experience, education, employer and location within the state, which may have a higher or lower cost of living.
Registered Nurses
10%$64,660
25%$77,450
50%$90,010Median
75%$102,200
90%$122,060
Median Hourly Wage$43
Job growth4.9%
Total Employment261,050
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $98,740 | $67,400 | $122,800 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $97,810 | $69,360 | $125,320 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $95,210 | $64,660 | $116,800 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $94,900 | $64,210 | $122,820 |
| Midland, TX | $88,460 | $64,650 | $110,180 |
| Waco, TX | $87,330 | $64,380 | $108,180 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $87,100 | $63,260 | $115,990 |
| Amarillo, TX | $83,810 | $64,300 | $112,130 |
| El Paso, TX | $81,380 | $62,550 | $119,040 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $81,190 | $61,670 | $105,920 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for ADN-prepared Texas nurses
The BLS reports that the salary range for RNs in Texas typically spans from $64,660 for the lowest 10% of RNs to $122,060 for the top 10% of RNs per year. This salary range includes entry-level positions as well as senior-level roles, such as nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists, and takes into account whether a nurse has earned a specialty credential.
Employment by Texas metro areas
The BLS follows wages and employment by metropolitan areas and they note that large cities logically employ more nurses than smaller cities or towns. As an example, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area ranks fourth in the U.S. for highest employment of registered nurses. Here are metropolitan areas by employment level:
And the top 10 metro areas for RN pay. As you can see, California dominates the list and no metro area in Texas registers in the top 10:
Texas salary growth and job outlook
As is true for most careers within the healthcare field, nursing is growing. The BLS predicts a national 4.9% job growth for registered nurses through 2034, with the job outlook for ADN-prepared RNs in Texas also looking strong, with continued growth expected over the next decade. Several factors are driving this positive trend:
- Nursing shortage: Texas faces a well-documented nursing shortage, especially in rural and underserved areas. The Texas Department of State Health Services projects a shortfall of more than 57,000 nurses by 2032, which means demand for RNs, including ADN-prepared RNs, will remain high.
- Aging population: The number of older adults needing medical care is increasing, driving demand for healthcare services like long-term care, home health and geriatric nursing.
- Healthcare expansion: New hospitals, outpatient clinics and telehealth services are being developed, creating more opportunities for RNs to work in various healthcare settings.
- Nurse retirements: Many experienced nurses from the Baby Boomer generation are retiring, which increases the need for new nurses to fill those roles.
Factors affecting ADN RN salaries
While Texas is not a unionized state, several other factors—including location, specialization, shift differentials and market demand—may heavily influence the pay of ADN-prepared nurses. Nurses in urban areas, specialized units and high-demand positions typically earn more. The shortage of nurses in Texas is expected to drive wages higher, particularly in areas with the greatest need. Here are factors that may impact pay:
- Geographic location:
- RNs in major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio may earn higher wages due to higher living costs, greater demand for specialized healthcare services and competition among healthcare employers.
- Employer type:
- Hospitals typically have higher pay rates compared to long-term care facilities or home health services due to the acuity and complexity of patient care.
- Specialization and unit assignment:
- Specialized units require additional training and expertise, which increases demand for qualified nurses and results in higher wages.
- Shift differentials:
- Hospitals must incentivize nurses to work less-desirable shifts—such as nights, weekends and holidays—leading to higher pay. Night shift and holiday pay can significantly increase annual earnings.
- Unionization and labor rights:
- Unionized nurses often have higher wages, better benefits and more protection against unfair treatment. Since Texas is not heavily unionized, RNs must rely on employer-provided raises and benefit packages.
- Experience and seniority:
- Experience and seniority increase pay over time, and nurses with more experience are often prioritized for higher-paying roles.
- Education:
- Many hospitals prefer RNs with BSN degrees as part of their “BSN-in-10” initiatives, and some jobs are only open to BSN-prepared nurses. This may impact job availability and pay growth for ADN nurses.
- Nursing shortages and market demand:
- The Texas Department of State Health Services predicts a shortage of nearly 57,000 nurses by 2032. As demand outpaces supply, employers may increase wages and offer bonuses to attract more nurses.
- Contract, per diem and travel nursing opportunities:
- RNs working per diem may earn higher hourly wages due to the unpredictability of their schedules. Texas offers lucrative contracts for travel nurses, with pay that may be double or triple the base wage.
Resources for pay disparity in Texas
If you are an ADN-prepared nurse in Texas and want to address perceived pay disputes or wage disparity claims, there are several resources and organizations that can support you. These resources cover everything from state legislative laws and wage complaint filings to federal support for nurse workers.
State resources include:
Federal resources include:
Texas ADN education requirements and beyond
To become an ADN-prepared Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas, you must follow a series of educational and licensure steps specific to the state’s requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed:
Complete an accredited ADN program:
- Look for Texas Board of Nursing (BON)-approved nursing programs. Attending an approved program is critical to qualify for RN licensure in Texas. Courses typically include anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing practice and clinical experiences in hospitals or healthcare settings.
Pass the Texas Jurisprudence Exam:
- Before taking the NCLEX-RN, you must pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE). This test ensures that you understand Texas-specific laws, regulations and the Nurse Practice Act that governs nursing in the state. The exam is completed online. Once you apply for licensure with the Texas Board of Nursing, you will be given instructions on how to access and complete the exam.
Apply for licensure with the Texas Board of Nursing:
- Apply for licensure as you near the end of your ADN program by submitting an application to the Texas Board of Nursing. You’ll be required to complete a background check (fingerprinting required), submit an application fee and provide proof of education.
Pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination):
- The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam required to become a licensed RN in Texas (and all U.S. states). The NCLEX tests your critical thinking and decision-making skills through multiple-choice and interactive questions.
Obtain your RN license:
- Once you pass the NCLEX-RN and complete all other requirements, you will be granted an RN license by the Texas Board of Nursing.
And beyond…
- While not required, many ADN-prepared nurses pursue additional certifications (like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)) to increase employability and pay.
Is a BSN preferred over an ADN in Texas?
There is a growing preference for BSN-prepared nurses in Texas. Many healthcare employers in the state, particularly large hospitals and health systems, prefer or require a BSN over an ADN for new hires. This trend is largely driven by industry-wide goals to improve patient outcomes, as studies have shown that a higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses is linked to better patient safety and reduced mortality rates.
Cost of living considerations in Texas
Texas is known for its relatively low cost of living compared to other U.S. states. Housing is particularly affordable, with median rents ranging from $1,026 for a one-bedroom to $1,867 for a five-bedroom, says Texas Real Estate Source. The typical home prices in major cities vary widely, with Austin being the most expensive city. Other expenses like utilities, groceries and healthcare are moderate compared to national averages. Texas has no state income tax, but it does have a relatively high property tax rate of about 1.8% and a combined state and local sales tax of 8.2%
Places with higher costs:
- Austin: High housing costs with a typical home price around $481,739.
- Dallas: High living expenses, especially in desirable neighborhoods.
- Houston: Housing is cheaper than Austin, but certain upscale areas raise living costs.
Places with lower costs:
- Brownsville: Home prices are around $159,490, making it one of the most affordable.
- McAllen: Median home price is $161,690, and general living expenses are lower than the state average.
- El Paso: Offers low housing and living costs relative to other large cities in the state.
Pros
Cons
Texas professional groups for networking and continuing education
These organizations provide valuable support, networking and educational opportunities for ADN-prepared nurses working or studying in Texas.
Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN): This organization specifically supports Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) education in Texas. It focuses on supporting ADN educators, but its initiatives often benefit ADN students and graduates as well.
Texas League for Nursing (TxLN): The Texas League for Nursing is a state-based chapter of the National League for Nursing (NLN). It aims to advance excellence in nursing education and works closely with nursing students and ADN programs.
This guide to salaries for ADN-prepared RNs in Texas is designed to give you a thorough overview of what to expect pay-wise in this important healthcare field. Consider it your starting point for making smart career choices, negotiating your salary and setting achievable goals for your education and professional journey.