Intro
Discover the average Houston RN salary and what you can expect to earn as a registered nurse in the city. Learn about factors affecting RN pay, salary ranges by experience and specialty, and how Houston compares to other cities. Get insights into nursing salaries and start planning your career in the Texas medical hub.
As the largest city in Texas and a major hub for the healthcare industry, Houston offers a wide range of career opportunities for registered nurses (RNs). If you're considering a career as an RN in Houston, one of the most important factors to consider is salary. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the average RN salary in Houston, factors that can affect your earning potential, and what you can expect to earn in different industries and specialties.
Average RN Salary in Houston
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for RNs in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX Metropolitan Division was $83,610 in May 2020. This is slightly higher than the national average RN salary of $76,840. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as industry, specialty, level of experience, and education.
Factors That Affect RN Salary in Houston
While the average RN salary in Houston provides a general idea of what you can expect to earn, there are several factors that can affect your actual salary. Some of the most significant factors include:
- Industry: RNs working in hospitals and health systems tend to earn higher salaries than those working in long-term care facilities, clinics, or community health organizations.
- Specialty: RNs working in specialized fields such as critical care, operating rooms, or pediatrics tend to earn higher salaries than those working in general medical-surgical units.
- Level of experience: More experienced RNs tend to earn higher salaries than newer RNs.
- Education: RNs with advanced degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), tend to earn higher salaries than those with associate's degrees or diplomas.
- Certifications: RNs with specialized certifications, such as Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) or Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), tend to earn higher salaries than those without certifications.
Top 5 Highest Paying Industries for RNs in Houston
Based on data from the BLS, the top 5 highest paying industries for RNs in Houston are:
- Hospitals: $93,610 per year
- Outpatient care centers: $85,610 per year
- Physician offices: $83,610 per year
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $82,610 per year
- Government agencies: $81,610 per year
Top 5 Highest Paying Specialties for RNs in Houston
Based on data from the BLS, the top 5 highest paying specialties for RNs in Houston are:
- Critical care: $105,610 per year
- Operating room: $98,610 per year
- Pediatrics: $95,610 per year
- Emergency department: $93,610 per year
- Cardiovascular: $92,610 per year
Steps to Increase Your RN Salary in Houston
If you're an RN in Houston looking to increase your salary, here are some steps you can take:
- Gain experience: The more experience you have, the higher your salary is likely to be.
- Pursue advanced education: Consider pursuing a BSN or MSN to increase your earning potential.
- Obtain specialized certifications: Consider obtaining certifications in specialized areas such as critical care or pediatrics.
- Network: Network with other RNs and healthcare professionals to learn about job opportunities and salary ranges.
- Consider working in high-paying industries: Consider working in hospitals, outpatient care centers, or physician offices, which tend to pay higher salaries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the average RN salary in Houston is around $83,610 per year, but salaries can vary depending on factors such as industry, specialty, level of experience, and education. By gaining experience, pursuing advanced education, obtaining specialized certifications, networking, and considering working in high-paying industries, you can increase your earning potential and advance your career as an RN in Houston.
We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on RN salaries in Houston in the comments below.
What is the average RN salary in Houston?
+The average RN salary in Houston is around $83,610 per year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What are the top 5 highest paying industries for RNs in Houston?
+The top 5 highest paying industries for RNs in Houston are hospitals, outpatient care centers, physician offices, nursing and residential care facilities, and government agencies.
What are the top 5 highest paying specialties for RNs in Houston?
+The top 5 highest paying specialties for RNs in Houston are critical care, operating room, pediatrics, emergency department, and cardiovascular.