Nurse Salary After Taxes in Texas (2026): RN Take-Home Pay
Nurse (RN) Salary After Taxes in Texas (2026)
Texas is one of the best states for nurses financially — combining solid RN wages with zero state income tax. The average Texas RN earns $78,000/year and keeps far more of each dollar than nurses in high-tax states.
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Texas RN Salary: Gross Pay Breakdown
| Period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual | $78,000 |
| Monthly | $6,500 |
| Biweekly | $3,000 |
| Weekly | $1,500 |
| Hourly (40 hrs/wk) | $37.50 |
Federal Tax Breakdown (Single Filer, 2026)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross salary | $78,000 |
| Standard deduction | −$15,000 |
| Federal taxable income | $63,000 |
Federal income tax on $63,000:
| Bracket | Income Range | Rate | Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 | 10% | $1,192.50 |
| 12% | $11,925 – $48,475 | 12% | $4,386.00 |
| 22% | $48,475 – $63,000 | 22% | $3,195.50 |
| Total federal income tax | $8,774 |
FICA taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security (6.2%) | 6.2% on $78,000 | $4,836.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | 1.45% on $78,000 | $1,131.00 |
| Total FICA | $5,967 |
Total federal burden: ~$14,741
Texas State Tax
Texas has no state income tax. There are no state payroll deductions beyond federal taxes for Texas nurses. This is one of the key financial advantages of working in Texas.
Take-Home Pay Summary: Texas RN
| Deduction | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $8,774 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | $5,967 |
| TX state income tax | $0 |
| Total deductions | $14,741 |
| Annual take-home | $63,259 |
| Monthly take-home | $5,272 |
| Biweekly take-home | $2,434 |
Effective total tax rate: ~18.9%
Texas nurses keep roughly 81 cents of every dollar earned — among the best retention rates of any major state.
Texas RN Salary Range (2026)
Salaries vary by metro area, specialty, and experience:
| Position / Location | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New graduate RN (ADN) | ~$60,000–$66,000 |
| New graduate RN (BSN) | ~$65,000–$72,000 |
| Experienced RN (5+ yrs) | ~$80,000–$92,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN — Houston | ~$88,000–$100,000 |
| Travel RN (13-wk contract) | ~$90,000–$130,000+ |
| CRNA (Certified RN Anesthetist) | ~$190,000–$240,000 |
| Texas state average | ~$78,000 |
Texas vs. Other States: RN Take-Home Comparison
| State | Avg RN Salary | Annual Take-Home | Monthly Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $135,000 | ~$92,783 | ~$7,732 |
| New York | $98,000 | ~$72,494 | ~$6,041 |
| Texas | $78,000 | ~$63,259 | ~$5,272 |
| Florida | $73,000 | ~$59,741 | ~$4,978 |
| National avg | $85,000 | ~$68,200 | ~$5,683 |
Texas ranks third among the four major comparison states for absolute take-home pay — but the gap with California widens considerably when cost of living is factored in.
Texas Cost of Living Advantage
Texas RNs earning $63,259/year net often live comparably to California nurses taking home $92,783/year, because:
- Housing: Median home price in Dallas (
$380,000) vs. Los Angeles ($850,000). Rent is proportionally lower. - Property taxes: Texas has no income tax but has higher property taxes (~1.6–2.0% effective rate). Renters are largely insulated from this.
- No SDI: California charges 1.2% SDI; Texas has no equivalent.
- Lower overall cost of living index: Texas major metros run 15–25% below major California metros.
A widely-cited rule of thumb: a Texas nurse at $78,000 has purchasing power roughly equivalent to a California nurse at $100,000–$110,000.
Texas Nursing Market Highlights
High-demand cities for RNs:
- Houston: Largest US medical center in the world (Texas Medical Center). Huge demand, especially in trauma and oncology. Salaries trend higher.
- Dallas/Fort Worth: Major hospital systems including UT Southwestern, Baylor Scott & White, and HCA Healthcare.
- Austin: Fastest-growing nursing market in Texas. Dell Seton Medical Center and St. David’s Health are major employers.
- San Antonio: USAF and Army health systems, plus large civilian hospital network.
Texas Board of Nursing (TBON): Nurses moving to Texas can often use the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) — Texas is a compact state, making multistate licensure easier.
Mandatory Deductions Beyond Taxes
Texas nurses working for public institutions (UT Health, state hospitals, community colleges with health clinics) may participate in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) — though most hospital nurses are not covered by TRS. Private hospital employers offer 401(k) plans instead.
401(k) contribution impact:
| Pre-tax 401(k) | Federal Tax Savings | Net Pay Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000/yr | ~$1,100 | ~$3,900 |
| $10,000/yr | ~$2,200 | ~$7,800 |
| $23,500/yr (max) | ~$5,170 | ~$18,330 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Texas nurse make per hour after taxes?
A Texas RN earning $78,000/year takes home approximately $63,259 net, which works out to $30.41/hour on a standard 40-hour, 52-week schedule.
Do Texas nurses pay state income tax?
No. Texas has no state income tax. Texas RNs only pay federal income tax and FICA (Social Security + Medicare), making the effective total tax burden around 18.9% at the $78,000 average salary.
Is Texas a good state for nurses financially?
Yes. Texas offers the combination of above-average RN wages, no state income tax, and a relatively low cost of living outside of Austin. For nurses who prioritize take-home pay and purchasing power, Texas is consistently among the top states nationally.
What cities in Texas pay nurses the most?
Houston (home of the Texas Medical Center) and Dallas typically offer the highest RN wages in Texas, with experienced critical care nurses earning $90,000–$105,000. Austin wages have risen sharply due to population growth and healthcare expansion.
See Also
Related guides
Nurse Salary After Taxes in Florida (2026): RN Take-Home Pay
RNs in Florida earn $73,000/year on average. With no state income tax, take-home is ~$59,741/year ($4,978/month) in 2026. Full federal tax breakdown.
Doctor/Physician Salary After Taxes in Texas (2026): Take-Home Pay
Physicians in Texas earn $290,000/year on average. With no state income tax, take-home is ~$210,174/year ($17,515/month) in 2026. Full federal tax breakdown.
Nurse Salary After Taxes in California (2026): RN Take-Home Pay
RNs in California earn $135,000/year on average. After federal and state taxes, take-home is ~$92,784/year ($7,732/month) in 2026. Full breakdown.
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