RN vs LPN Salary in Texas: 2026 Comparison
Updated 16 April 2026
In Texas, RNs earn $78,000 on average while LPNs earn $52,000, a gap of $26,000 per year. The cost of living in Texas is below the national average (index: 92).
RN Average
$78,000
LPN Average
$52,000
Gap
$26,000
Cost of Living
92
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $62,000 | $42,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $78,000 | $52,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $96,000 | $62,000 |
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 | $84,000 | $55,000 | $29,000 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | $82,000 | $54,000 | $28,000 |
| Austin-Round Rock | $80,000 | $53,000 | $27,000 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $74,000 | $50,000 | $24,000 |
| El Paso | $70,000 | $48,000 | $22,000 |
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
$84,783
$78,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$56,522
$52,000 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 website