RN vs LPN Salary in Texas: 2026 Comparison
Updated June 2026
In Texas, RNs earn $95,400 on average while LPNs earn $62,800, a gap of $32,600 per year. The cost of living in Texas is below the national average (index: 92).
RN Average
$95,400
LPN Average
$62,800
Gap
$32,600
Cost of Living
92
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $67,000 | $49,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $95,400 | $62,800 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $128,000 | $76,000 |
Metro Area Breakdown
Salaries vary within Texas depending on the metro area. Larger cities with higher costs of living and more competition for nurses tend to pay more.
| Metro Area | RN Average | LPN Average | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston-The Woodlands | $103,000 | $66,000 | $37,000 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | $100,000 | $65,000 | $35,000 |
| Austin-Round Rock | $98,000 | $64,000 | $34,000 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $91,000 | $60,000 | $31,000 |
| El Paso | $86,000 | $58,000 | $28,000 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Texas has a cost of living index of 92 (national average = 100). Here is what nursing salaries feel like after adjusting for local purchasing power.
RN Purchasing Power
$103,696
$95,400 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$68,261
$62,800 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
Texas Scope of Practice Notes
Texas allows LVNs (the state term for LPNs) to perform IV therapy with additional certification. Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, meaning nurses with a compact license can practice across state lines.
For the full comparison, see our RN vs LPN scope of practice page.
Top Healthcare Employers in Texas
HCA Healthcare
Baylor Scott & White
Texas Health Resources
Memorial Hermann
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Texas Board of Nursing
Always verify licensing requirements, fees, and continuing education obligations with your state board of nursing.
Texas Board of Nursing websiteTexas RN vs LPN Salary FAQ
What is the average LPN salary in Texas?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Texas earn an average of $62,800 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level LPNs typically start around $49,000, while experienced LPNs with 10 or more years earn about $76,000.
What is the average RN salary in Texas?
Registered nurses (RNs) in Texas earn an average of $95,400 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), roughly $32,600 more than LPNs. Entry-level RNs typically start near $67,000, and experienced RNs earn around $128,000.
Which Texas metro area pays nurses the most?
Among the major Texas metros, Houston-The Woodlands pays the most, with RNs averaging about $103,000 and LPNs about $66,000 per year. Pay is generally highest in the largest metros, where cost of living and competition for nurses are also higher.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Texas?
In Texas, RNs earn an average of $95,400 versus $62,800 for LPNs, a gap of about $32,600 per year. The difference reflects the RN's broader scope of practice and the additional education an RN licence requires.