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Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing
By: All Nursing Schools Staff
Salaries for BSN nurses in Texas
If you’re looking for a state to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or practice as a BSN-prepared nurse, consider Texas for your destination. Here are three key reasons why Texas is one of the best states for BSN-prepared nurses to practice:
- High demand and job growth:
- Texas consistently faces a nursing shortage, driven by a growing population and an aging demographic in need of healthcare services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas has one of the highest levels of employment for registered nurses (RNs) in the country. BSN-prepared nurses are especially in demand as healthcare providers shift toward higher education requirements for nursing staff. This demand translates to greater job security, multiple employment opportunities and room for career advancement.
- Competitive salaries and benefits:
- Texas offers competitive salaries for BSN-prepared nurses. While the cost of living is generally lower than in states like California or New York, the salaries remain competitive. According to recent BLS data, the average annual salary for registered nurses in Texas is well above the national average. Nurses often have access to sign-on bonuses, relocation assistance and comprehensive benefits packages, especially in large healthcare systems like Texas Health Resources, Baylor Scott & White and HCA Healthcare.
- Diverse practice settings and career advancement:
- Texas is home to a wide range of healthcare environments, from large urban medical centers in cities like Houston, Dallas and Austin to rural healthcare facilities. BSN-prepared nurses have the opportunity to work in various specialties, such as emergency care, pediatrics, oncology and mental health. The state also has numerous Magnet-recognized hospitals, which prefer BSN-prepared nurses due to evidence-based practice and leadership skills. Furthermore, Texas has several advanced practice nursing programs, allowing BSN-prepared nurses to pursue roles as nurse practitioners (NPs) or nurse educators.
In this Article
Quick view | Salary statistics | Factors affecting salaries in Texas | Earning a BSN | What’s next? | Cost of living considerations | Nurse resources in Texas
Snapshot of BSN nurses in Texas
Texas has roughly 251,840 people employed as RNs says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which amounts to almost 19 people working as RNs for every 1,000 people that live in the state. This number could also include ADN-degreed RNs besides BSN-holding RNs. The median wage per hour is $43, slightly under the national average of $45. However, the BLS reported that Texas has the second highest employment of RNs in the country after California, and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.9%.
The following Texas employers not only offer competitive salaries and benefits but also emphasize professional development, which aligns with the skills and knowledge BSN-prepared nurses bring to the table. Here are five top employers of RNs in Texas, along with their locations and how nurses’ skills are utilized within the system:
- Texas Health Resources (THR), Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (multiple hospitals and outpatient centers):
- THR is a Magnet-recognized healthcare system, meaning it prioritizes evidence-based practice and leadership, areas where BSN nurses excel.
BSN nurses are integral in interdisciplinary care teams and coordinating care for diverse patient populations in inpatient and outpatient settings. BSN nurses may be considered for unit leadership, charge nurse and quality improvement roles. - HCA Healthcare (Hospital Corporation of America), Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio:
- BSN nurses are essential in high-acuity units like intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments (EDs) and labor and delivery (L&D) units.
They serve as preceptors for newly hired nurses and student nurses, supporting the clinical onboarding process. As part of HCA’s commitment to patient safety, BSN nurses engage in quality assurance programs, infection control and patient education. - Baylor Scott & White Health (BSW), Statewide, with major locations in Dallas, Temple, Waco and Austin:
- BSN-prepared nurses support patients in specialized areas like cardiology, oncology and surgical services, where critical thinking is essential. BSW encourages career advancement for BSN nurses through specialty certifications and advanced degrees, often funding tuition reimbursement programs. Nurses may be eligible for roles in case management, infection prevention, nurse educator positions and clinical leadership roles.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center (Part of the University of Texas System), Houston (main campus), with affiliated locations in other parts of Texas and international collaborations:
- BSN nurses manage care for cancer patients, including chemotherapy administration, palliative care and end-of-life support. BSN-prepared nurses play a significant role in patient education, helping patients and families understand cancer treatment plans and symptom management. Since MD Anderson is a research institution, BSN nurses contribute to clinical trials, ensuring patient safety, regulatory compliance and data collection.
- Children’s Health (formerly Children’s Medical Center), Dallas, Plano and surrounding areas:
- BSN-prepared nurses work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric ICUs and emergency departments. Since pediatric care involves working closely with families, BSN nurses are equipped to provide emotional support and education. Nurses also support ongoing clinical research in pediatric health and serve as advocates for child health policies and initiatives.
BSN nurse salary stats for Texas
The median annual salary for registered nurses with a BSN in Texas is just slightly below the national median of $93,600, however the cost of living in Texas is also lower. Too, salaries may vary based on other factors such as experience, education and employer no matter where you live in the state. The BLS consolidates ADN and BSN salary data for registered nurses, so BSN nurses may actually earn more than the national median; using the 75th percentile as a gauge, salaries for BSN nurses in Texas may be closer to $102,200. Here are salaries for the state by median and percentile, as well as median salaries for top metro areas:
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 BSN RNs in Texas
The BLS reports that the salary range for BSN 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 nurse roles as well as senior-level roles, such as nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists.
Employment and wages for Texas metro areas
The salary for BSN-prepared registered nurses in Texas varies by metropolitan area. With Texas’ size and diversity, salaries vary widely. The following figures highlight the top-paying metro areas for BSN RNs in Texas, with Austin-Round Rock paying best at $93,470 annually, and Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington tied for second highest paying metro areas at $93,300 annually. While there are no Texas metro areas making the BLS’ top 10 paying areas in the U.S. list, they do note that Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ranked fourth for highest employment of RNs in the country, and Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land ranked seventh. Here is what the BLS reported as the highest-paying metro areas for BSN RNs in the U.S.:
Salary growth and job outlook
While the BLS anticipates a 4.9% job growth rate nationally through 2034 for RNs, the job growth outlook and salary potential for BSN-prepared nurses in Texas specifically looks very promising, indicating a favorable climate for current and prospective nurses.
Job and salary growth outlook:
- Projected employment growth: Employment for registered nurses in Texas is expected to increase by 17% through 2030, rising from 220,980 to 258,720 positions, according to the BLS subsidiary, O*NET Online. This growth translates to approximately 16,210 job openings annually during this period, accounting for new positions and replacements.
- Supply and demand projections: Despite the growth in the nursing workforce, Texas is projected to face a shortage of RNs through 2030, suggesting sustained demand for nursing professionals, said Texas DSHS.
- Salary growth projections: Between 2023 and 2027, RN salaries in Texas are expected to increase by an additional 16.56%, reflecting ongoing demand and the value of nursing professionals in the healthcare system.
Factors affecting BSN RN salaries in Texas
Several factors can influence the salary of BSN-prepared nurses in Texas. Here are the most significant ones:
- Location:
- Urban areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio typically offer higher salaries due to a higher cost of living and increased demand for specialized healthcare. Rural areas may offer lower wages but often have incentive programs like loan forgiveness or sign-on bonuses to attract nurses.
- Healthcare facility type:
- Hospitals, especially large teaching hospitals and Magnet-recognized hospitals, tend to pay higher salaries than nursing homes, long-term care facilities or rehabilitation centers. Facilities like MD Anderson Cancer Center, which focuses on oncology, may pay nurses more because of the specialized care required, and nurses working in major healthcare systems (like Baylor Scott & White or Texas Health Resources) may have higher salaries and better benefits than those in smaller private clinics or outpatient centers.
- Experience and seniority:
- Newly graduated BSN nurses typically earn less than experienced nurses. As nurses gain experience, they qualify for higher-paying roles such as charge nurse, nurse manager or nurse educator.
- Education:
- BSN-prepared nurses typically earn more than ADN-prepared nurses due to their advanced education, leadership potential and eligibility for Magnet-status hospitals that require BSN-level nurses. Nurses pursuing advanced degrees (MSN, DNP) or becoming Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) may significantly increase their earning potential.
- Certifications and specialization:
- BSN nurses with specialized skills in areas like critical care, emergency care (ER), intensive care (ICU), labor and delivery (L&D) or operating room (OR) nursing often earn higher salaries.
- Union membership:
- While not as common in Texas as in some other states, unionized facilities often have higher wages and stronger worker protections.
- Performance incentives:
- Performance reviews can impact salary increases, bonuses and promotions. Nurses with strong performance records may be eligible for raises or promotions.
BSN education requirements in TX
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Texas, students must meet certain educational and program-specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the key education requirements:
Before admission to a BSN program
- Have a high school diploma or GED: Applicants must have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
- Complete college prerequisite courses: Most BSN programs require students to complete specific college-level prerequisite courses before being accepted into the nursing program. These typically include subjects such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutrition, English, mathematics and social and behavioral sciences, among others.
- Hold a minimum GPA: Most programs require a minimum GPA—typically 2.5 to 3.0—for prerequisite courses. Competitive programs may have higher GPA requirements.
Complete the program admission requirements
- Entrance exam: Some BSN programs require applicants to pass entrance exams, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the HESI Admission Assessment Exam (HESI A2).
- Application and fees: Applicants must submit an application through the university or nursing school’s admission portal and pay an application fee.
- Letters of recommendation: Some programs require letters of recommendation from teachers, employers or healthcare professionals.
- Personal statement/essay: Applicants may be required to submit an essay explaining why they want to become a nurse and why they are a good fit for the program.
- Criminal background check and drug screening: Nursing programs require background checks and drug tests as part of the admission process.
- Immunization and health records: Proof of certain vaccinations and a recent physical exam is often required.
Complete the core nursing education BSN program
- Nursing theory and classroom learning: Students take a variety of theoretical and evidence-based nursing courses. These may include nursing fundamentals, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics and law, community health, nursing leadership and management and med-surg nursing among other coursework.
Clinical rotations and hands-on training
- Clinical rotations: Students participate in clinical rotations in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and community health centers.
- Number of clinical hours: Texas BSN programs require students to complete a specific number of supervised clinical hours (varies by program, typically 600-1,000 hours).
- Credit hours for completion: Students must complete around 120-130 total credit hours, including general education courses, nursing core courses and clinical hours.
Nurse licensure after earning a BSN
- NCLEX-RN Exam: After graduating from a BSN program, students must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to obtain a nursing license in Texas.
- Apply for Texas RN license: Graduates apply for licensure through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The BON requires submission of transcripts from the BSN program and completion of a criminal background check as well as filing an application and paying the applicable fees.
Complete continuing education requirements for Texas
- BSN nurses must complete 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education every two years. Alternatively, nurses may demonstrate compliance by earning, maintaining or renewing a national nursing certification in their specialty area.
What do I do after earning a BSN?
If you already hold a BSN in Texas and are looking to advance your nursing career, there are several potential paths you can take. These paths often require further education or earning a certification, but they may open up higher-paying, specialized or leadership-leaning roles. Here’s a breakdown of possible next steps:
- Earn an MSN: Opens doors to roles as an Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Educator or Nurse Leader.
- Get certified: Pass certification exams for specific roles like NP, CNS, CRNA or Nurse Executive.
- Consider earning a DNP: A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) provides a terminal degree option for those seeking leadership, nurse practitioner or high-impact roles.
Explore non-traditional or emerging roles
Possible titles:
- Nurse informaticist
- Nurse researcher
- Healthcare consultant
- Public health nurse
These roles may give you a chance to work in tech, policy or research, often with the potential to impact health systems, community or population health. Most of these roles require an MSN in a relevant field, such as nurse informatics or public health. Experience in technology, research or public health can also be useful. Jobs in informatics and consulting often have higher salaries and offer opportunities for remote work or hybrid roles.
Cost of living considerations in Texas
Texas generally has a lower cost of living compared to the national average, making it an attractive place to live for many. However, the cost of living can vary significantly across different cities and metropolitan areas within the state.
Overall cost of living: Texas’s cost of living is approximately 6%–8% lower than the national average, said Texas Real Estate Source.
Housing costs: Housing in Texas is notably affordable, with costs about 15.7% less than the national average, said HomeCity.
| Texas city | Cost of living (compared to national average) |
|---|---|
| Plano | 25% higher |
| Austin | 1% higher |
| Dallas | 1.6% higher |
| Fort Worth | Slightly below the national average |
Professional groups for Texas nurses
There are several professional associations for BSN-prepared nurses to join in Texas. Joining these organizations can provide access to professional development, networking, continuing education, certifications and advocacy opportunities.
Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (TONL): BSN-prepared nurses seeking to move into nurse management, administration or executive positions should consider joining TONL. The group provides leadership development and mentorship for nurses aspiring to management, director or executive roles.
Texas School Nurses Organization (TSNO): BSN-prepared nurses working in school settings or those interested in school health nursing should consider membership in TSNO. The organization offers training and certification programs for school nurses as well as networking opportunities with other school nurses in Texas.
Texas Emergency Nurses Association (TXENA): BSN-prepared nurses working in emergency rooms (ER), trauma centers and acute care settings may benefit from joining TXENA. The association offers access to emergency-specific CE, certification prep (like the CEN) and emergency nurse workshops.
This guide to salaries for BSN 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.