In Austin, TX, Registered Nurses earn a median of $93,470 a year — about 1% below the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #17.
What that pay is worth in Austin
Local prices run 98 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $95,150 salary is about break-even with the national average ($97,026 adjusted).
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Austin?
A typical Austin home runs about $512,700 — 5.4 times the average Registered Nurse salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,655/mo takes roughly 21% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Austin
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $69,600; the top 10% reach $117,990 — a $48,390 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Austin
Austin employs roughly 17,090 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Austin with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Austin against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Austin?
The average Registered Nurse in Austin, TX earns about $95,150 per year, 0.7% above the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Austin after taxes?
After federal and TX taxes, this $95,150 salary is worth about $75,768 a year - roughly $6,314 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 20%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Austin?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Austin earn about $117,990 a year, versus about $69,600 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Austin?
A typical Austin home runs about $512,700 - roughly 5.4x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.