Becoming a registered nurse (or RN) can be very financially profitable, even if money is generally not the main reason that people choose a career in nursing. Nurses in the US usually earn more than nurses in most other countries, and the state of Texas is no different.
Is a Career in Nursing Right for Me?
Nursing is not for everyone! This is why before we get started, it is important for you to come to a decision, without factoring in the finance side of the career, as to whether it is the right direction for you. The job requires a long period of dedicated study and generally includes long hours in often stressful working conditions. However, over 90% of registered nurses in the US report that they find their jobs rewarding and satisfying! If you are dedicated to helping others, studying on one of the MSN programs in Texas for a degree in nursing could be the best choice for you. If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse, the most recognized path to achieving this is by studying on a program such as this.
Now, let’s take a look at the average salary you could earn.
Average Annual Salary for Nurses in Texas
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for an RN in the state of Texas is over $72,000, compared to a national average wage (across all professions) of around $56,000. This makes nursing a particularly profitable career path, although you will have to work very hard!
Only 10% of RNs in Texas earn less than $52,000 a year, meaning that even if you are an inexperienced nurse in a rural area, you will still earn not much less than the national average. The top 10% earn over $98,000 a year, with some of those salaries into six figures! Nurses in highly populated areas such as cities typically earn more than those in rural locations or who work in outpatient facilities, with average annual RN wages in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington being the highest in the state.
The average annual salary for RNs in other US states is around 3% higher than that of RNs in Texas, although RNs in Texas still earn considerably more than workers in most other professions. The most common salary for an RN in Texas is between $60,000 and $85,000 a year.
Starting Salary for Nurses in Texas
The average starting salary for an RN in Texas matches the average annual wage in the US across all professions – approximately $56,000! This is higher than the average RN starting salary in a lot of other US states. As the employment of RNs in Texas is currently in demand, this could be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the high prospect salaries and improve your career.
How Has an RN Salary Changed Over Time?
The average RN salary in Texas grew by over 6% from 2013 to 2018. This matched the overall average cost of living in the state. Fortunately, this trend is expected to continue. Salaries are expected to grow by around 5% by 2023 to an average of over $78,000!