Salary Data
Registered Nurse Salary in Austin
$84,000
median salary, 2% above the national average
According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average Registered Nurse salary in Austin is $84,000. Salaries range from $64,000 (25th percentile) to $108,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Austin's cost of living.
Salary range
How Austin compares
Austin, TX
$84,000
Cost of living: 3% above average
National Average
$82,000
Austin is $2,000 above
Registered Nurse job market in Austin
Austin market overview
Austin has transformed into one of America's fastest growing tech hubs, attracting relocations from Apple, Tesla, Oracle, and Samsung. The city's combination of no state income tax, a vibrant startup scene, and a strong university pipeline makes it highly competitive. Salaries have risen sharply over the past five years, narrowing the gap with coastal cities.
What drives Registered Nurse salaries
Specialty certification, geographic location, and facility type create the widest salary ranges. ICU, OR, and emergency nurses earn premiums over med surg nurses. Travel nursing contracts can pay 50 to 100% more than permanent positions. Union representation and shift differentials for nights and weekends also impact total pay.
Beyond base salary
Total compensation
Benefits are a major component, typically including health insurance, pension or 403(b) matching, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education credits. Shift differentials add $3 to $8 per hour for nights and weekends. Signing bonuses of $5,000 to $20,000 are common in high demand specialties.
Tax considerations in Austin
Texas has no state income tax, which can mean 5 to 10% more take home pay compared to California roles. Property taxes are above average, however, running about 1.8% of home value.
Career progression
New graduate RNs start at $58,000 to $72,000, with experienced RNs reaching $80,000 to $100,000 after five years. Nurse practitioners earn $110,000 to $140,000, and CRNAs (nurse anesthetists) can earn $180,000 to $220,000. Nursing management roles offer $95,000 to $140,000 with administrative responsibilities.
Top industries in Austin
Negotiating in Austin
Use the no income tax advantage as a negotiation lever. Ask employers to match 90% of a Bay Area offer and show that your net pay will actually be higher.