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Nurse Practitioner Salary in Texas for 2023

Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

Have you ever heard the saying, "Go big or go home?" That is pretty much an understatement when you think about Texas, often referred to as “the Lone Star State”. If you are a nurse practitioner or are considering becoming one and wonder if Texas is a good place to live and work, this article is for you. Perhaps one of the most pressing questions you have is, "How much does a nurse practitioner make in Texas?" Here we will provide you with some information about the average nurse practitioner salary in Texas, salaries by specialty, and some of the best cities to work as a nurse practitioner in the state.


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What is the Starting Salary of a Nurse Practitioner in Texas?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average entry-level nurse practitioner salary in Texas is almost $81,160 annually. As with any career, individuals just entering a particular field are often offered lower wages than those with more experience. However, some things could impact your potential beginning salary. For example, the amount of time you have worked in nursing or other healthcare-related position before becoming an NP, the geographical area where you will practice, the practice setting, and your schedule.

What is the Average Salary of a Nurse Practitioner in Texas?

Typically, the average salary of a nurse practitioner in Texas is $117,890. This is equivalent to $56.68 per hour or $9,820 monthly. Some employers offer incentives such as shift differential pay for employees who are willing to work evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays. It's a good idea to ask potential employers if they offer any such incentives, especially if you are given the choice of which shift or schedule you prefer to work.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Texas by Years of Experience

Although new NPs make what many consider a significant income, showing a record of experienced work can mean increases in salary, which is a plus. As you can see in the chart below, with as little as one to four years of experience as a nurse practitioner in Texas, you could see an annual salary increase of almost $18,500. After gaining ten years of work experience, some NPs in Texas earn over $121,010. Those who stay in this industry and continue to work as a nurse practitioner, with twenty or more years of experience, can earn close to $155,000 each year. The nurse practitioner salary per hour in Texas in the chart below gives a clear example of the salary increases that occur with experience. New NPs may earn close to $40 per hour while those with ten to nineteen years make approximately $61.93 hourly.

Total Annual Nurse Practitioner Compensation (Including Other Benefits) in the State of Texas

One thing that is good to consider when you are discussing a new employment opportunity is what type of benefits are offered. In addition to the average nurse practitioner salary in Texas, which is $116,710, nurse practitioners in the state are often compensated with around $72,000 worth of benefits annually. With salary and benefits combined, a NP in Texas can earn an average annual income anywhere between $167,838$167,838 to above $188,546, depending on whether you work in a private industry or for state or local government.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Texas by Practice Setting

As previously mentioned, there are a few things that may determine the rate of pay an NP may be offered. One of those factors is the type of practice setting where you work. For instance, Texas nurse practitioners who work in colleges, universities, or professional schools typically make $110,740 each year. These NPs may work as nursing instructors or professors, or work as campus practitioners providing screenings and acute care to students and staff. NPs who work in hospitals and outpatient care centers often earn higher salaries.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Texas by Specialty

Have you chosen a specialty area to practice in as a nurse practitioner, or are you wondering what salary someone with your specialty certification can earn? The following are a few NP specialty areas with examples of salaries you could make in Texas in that specialty.

1. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner:

Are you interested in providing care to patients from young adulthood to old age? If so, becoming an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner could be an excellent choice for you. Adult-gerontology NPs provide medical care to clients from late adolescence to geriatric patients. They assess, diagnose, and treat both acute and chronic illnesses. Some adult-gerontology NPs work in family care clinics. Others may work in nursing homes or long-term care facilities and provide exclusively to older adults. The average adult-gerontology nurse practitioner salary in Texas is approximately $113,670.

Hourly	$54.64
Annual	$113,670

2. Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner:

Cosmetic medicine is a growing trend, and aesthetic nurse practitioners are a large part of that growth. Aesthetic NPs are often found working in plastic surgery or dermatology clinics or medical spas. A typical day at work for an aesthetic NP may include assisting with surgeries, diagnosing conditions related to the skin, and providing cosmetic or dermatological treatments. Aesthetic nurse practitioners who practice in Texas typically earn around $107,690 each year.

Hourly	$51.78
Annual	$107,690

3. Dermatology Nurse Practitioner:

Dermatology NPs specialize in diagnosing and treating medical issues or diseases that are related to the skin. They may choose to provide general dermatology care or choose a sub-specialty pertaining to a specific type of care. For example, some dermatology NPs work in surgical settings and perform or assist with the removal of skin growths among a variety of patients of different ages. Cosmetic dermatology nurse practitioners typically work with adults. Dermatology nurse practitioners in Texas earn an average of $119,520 yearly.

Hourly	$57.47
Annual	$119,520

4. Emergency Nurse Practitioner:

If you are good at working at a fast pace and don't have a preference of the patient population you prefer to serve, a job as an emergency nurse practitioner may be a sub-specialty you might like to consider. As an emergency NP, you will be exposed to patients experiencing acute illness and injuries. You will provide acute care that requires emergency intervention or stabilizing a patient who needs to be transferred to a specific type of care, such as those requiring emergency surgery. Working as an emergency nurse practitioner in Texas, you can expect to earn over $122,000 annually.

Hourly	$58.74
Annual	$122,170

5. Family Nurse Practitioner:

One of the things that attract nurse practitioners to family care is that they can care for clients through their lifespan. Family NPs provide care for patients from infants, pediatrics, to geriatrics. Their services include but are not limited to wellness visits, acute and chronic illness management, monitoring disease progression, and medication management. The average family nurse practitioner salary in Texas is $57.16 per hour or $118,890 yearly.

Hourly	$57.16
Annual	$118,890

6. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner:

Neonatal nurse practitioners diagnose and treat infants who have a variety of health conditions, which may include cardiac problems, birth defects, and prematurity. They work to treat newborns and to educate the family and caregivers of newborns. Neonatal NPs perform basic medical procedures for newborns such as monitoring the patient's vital signs, administering medication and treatments, and making decisions about plans of care. The average neonatal nurse practitioner salary in Texas is over $127,000, which makes neonatal nurse practitioners some of the highest-paid nurse practitioners in the state.

Hourly	$61.35
Annual	$127,620

7. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner:

Pediatric nurse practitioners work with patients from infants, children, and adolescents. They perform examinations, diagnose acute and chronic illnesses, order laboratory and other diagnostic tests, and treat injuries. Additionally, pediatric NPs provide routine medical care, including wellness and KidMed visits, and monitor growth and development. The average pediatric nurse practitioner salary in Texas is $54.45 per hour or $113,250 yearly.

Hourly	$54.45
Annual	$113,250

8. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP):

As awareness regarding the importance of mental health issues and mental healthcare grows, the growth of mental health practitioner jobs is increasing steadily. PMHNPs conduct various mental health services, including assessing patient's mental and emotional status, diagnosing mental health conditions, prescribing medications, and monitoring for the effectiveness of care plans. In Texas, the demand for qualified mental health care NPs is reflected in earning potential. A psychiatric nurse practitioner salary in Texas is usually at or above $125,000 yearly.

Hourly	$60.19
Annual	$125,190

9. Women's Health Nurse Practitioner:

Women's health services involve any care related to the health and wellness of the female population. It includes a specialized focus on a woman's reproductive health and the treatment or prevention of diseases that affect women's health. A women's health NP is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and managing the care of women with a variety of health issues, including obstetrics, gynecology, oncology, and urogynecology.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Texas by City

As previously mentioned, geographical location may influence the salary you are offered as a nurse practitioner. Below is a list of some well-known cities in Texas and some details about the average NP salary in each.

1. Dallas:

Dallas, Texas, is one of the top ten largest cities in the United States by population. With attractions like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, there are plenty of things to do in this city. Being one of the largest cities in the US and a popular tourist destination means that there is a steady need for nurse practitioners and other healthcare providers. NPs who practice in Dallas can earn a six-figure income. The average nurse practitioner salary in Dallas is $115,510.

Hourly	$55.53
Annual	$115,510

2. Houston:

Currently, over 3,520 nurse practitioners are practicing in Houston, Texas. With a population of over 2 million people, the sixth most populated city in North America, the demand for nurse practitioners in Houston is ever-increasing. The salary of a nurse practitioner in Houston, TX, reflects recognition of the need for qualified NPs in that city. NPs in Houston make an average of just over $59.53 per hour or $123,810 annually.

Hourly	$59.53
Annual	$123,810

3. San Antonio:

Currently, the salary of a nurse practitioner in San Antonio is about $117,640 yearly. There are 22 hospitals in or near San Antonio, Texas, that are affiliated with the 1,530 nurse practitioners currently practicing in San Antonio. According to Indeed, some NP employment opportunities available in San Antonio presently listed include NP for pain management clinic, family nurse practitioner, telehealth NP, critical care, medical-surgical, home health, and primary care nurse practitioner.

Hourly	$56.56
Annual	$117,640

4. Austin:

Austin, the capital city of Texas, is known for its eclectic nature, eccentric residents, and as being the world capital of live music. Many Austin residents refer to the slogan "Keep Austin Weird" when describing the city. Make no mistake, though, Austin is anything but undesirable. With attractions such as the Zilker Metropolitan Park and Botanical Garden and the Harry Ransom Center, which is one of the most revered libraries in the country, Austin certainly has a lot to offer. In addition to all the amenities you can enjoy, nurse practitioners also have the opportunity to earn a substantial nurse practitioner salary in Austin, TX. The average NP salary in the city is approximately $120,850.

Hourly	$58.10
Annual	$120,850

5. El Paso:

El Paso, Texas has population of almost 700,000 and an anticipated population increase of 5.62% annually. The state is experiencing the effects of the nationwide shortage of physicians presently affecting the U.S. This shortage means that, especially as the population increases, it can be assumed that there will be an increased need for nurse practitioners, as well. Currently, El Paso is home to almost six hundred nurse practitioners. According to SimplyHired, some job openings listed for NPs in El Paso include the following.

• Public Health Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• Hospice Coordinator
• Neonatal NP

In El Paso, nurse practitioners earn approximately $112,750 each year.

Comparing Nurse Practitioner Salary in Texas VS. Other Careers

If you are considering working in Texas as a NP but are not sure how your potential salary measures up in comparison to others, the following information is for you. No matter what career field you choose, it is essential to do your research, so you know what to expect.

NP Pay in Texas VS. Other Nursing Careers:

Nursing careers include specific jobs such as nursing assistants, LPN/LVNs, RNs, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists. Nurse practitioners in Texas make the second-highest nursing salary, with only a nurse anesthetist earning a higher income.

NP Pay in Texas VS. Other Healthcare Careers:

When comparing salaries, you can see in the chart below that, among healthcare occupations, nurse practitioners in Texas earn higher than non-medical practitioners. Their average annual income is approximately $117,890. Only healthcare professionals with a medical degree make higher, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Why is the Outlook Bright for Nurse Practitioner Salary in Texas?

According to projections made by the Texas Department of State Health Services, the shortage of primary care physicians is expected to grow by more than 67 percent throughout the state of Texas through the year 2030. This shortage of primary care providers means the need for qualified nurse practitioners to fill those positions will increase. Increased demand for workers means that the salary outlook is bright, as well. In fact, although Texas nurse practitioner salary ranges vary depending on the city where you work and other factors such as certifications, additional related skills, and years of experience, the projected growth rate of available NP jobs in Texas makes the idea of salary increases seem quite favorable.

If you want to become an NP and live in, or are considering moving to Texas, finding the right school is important. With a little research and by asking the right questions, you can find the nurse practitioner program in Texas that is best for you. Be sure to ask about the option of on-campus vs. online classes, how many BSN clinical hours can transfer to your graduate or post-graduate program, and what the process is for getting clinical hours and preceptors approved.

Summing It Up

Working as a nurse practitioner in Texas has several perks. The salary of a nurse practitioner in Texas is undoubtedly one thing that draws NPs to the state to practice. If you've asked yourself, "how much does a nurse practitioner make in Texas?" we hope that this article gave you more precise insight on your earning potential. Remember, when you discuss any job or potential earnings, to ask about any benefits packages or other incentives that a potential employer offers. With these benefits added, you could make several thousand dollars more each year.

Top Questions Answered by Our Expert

1. How many Nurse Practitioners are currently employed in Texas?

Currently, the state of Texas has approximately 17,810 nurse practitioners employed overall. This number is inclusive of all sub-specialties.

2. How much does a nurse practitioner make per hour in Texas?

The average nurse practitioner salary per hour in Texas is $56.68, a benchmark that most NPs in the Lone Star State will reach sometime between their fifth and ninth year of practice. This is 31 percent more than the amount they will earn when they first start out when NP salaries are $39.02 on average but 27 percent less than the hourly wage of $74.08 they can expect to earn when they’ve been working 20 years or more.

3. How does the average Salary of a Nurse Practitioner in Texas compare to the average NP salary in the U.S?

The average annual salary of nurse practitioners in Texas is slightly lower than national average. As you can see in the chart below, the national average for NP salaries is $118,040. In Texas, NPs earn almost $150 less each year than nurses practicing in other states.

4. How much does a family nurse practitioner make in Texas?

As a family nurse practitioner in Texas, you can expect average annual earnings of $118,890, which is equivalent to $57.16 per hour or $9,910 a month. Several factors can influence this figure, including experience, type of primary care setting and geographical location.

5. How much does a psychiatric nurse practitioner make in Texas?

Are you an aspiring psychiatric nurse practitioner wondering what will be your earnings in the Lone Star State? On an average, psychiatric nurse practitioners in Texas take home a salary of $125,190 per year which is equivalent $60.19 per hour or $10,430 a month.

6. What are the 5 highest paid Nurse Practitioners in Texas?

In Texas, neonatal nurse practitioners earn the highest annual salary at $127,620, whereas, family nurse practitioners earn the lowest, at $118,890 per year. On the other hand, nurse practitioners treating mental health patients earn the second highest, with an annual salary of $125,190, while emergency nurse practitioners take home $122,170 and dermatology NPs can expect to earn around $119,520 per year.

7. What are the 5 highest paying cities for Nurse Practitioners in Texas?

The five cities that pay the highest nurse practitioner salaries in Texas are Wichita Falls, Midland, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texarkana and Austin-Round Rock. The pay range among these five cities is $120,850-$125,820, with average annual earnings of $124,892.

8. How much do Nurse Practitioners earn in the various metros of Texas?

As shown in the chart below, the pay range for nurse practitioners in various metros of Texas varies anywhere from $100,090 to over $125,820 annually. In addition to geographical location, the type of setting and years of experience are usually factored when employment offers are made.

9. Where do majority of the Nurse Practitioners practice in Texas?

Most nurse practitioners in Texas work in physician’s offices and clinics. These may include private practices, group practices, or hospital-owned facilities. Hospitals employ the second largest group of practicing NPs in Texas.

10. What are the approximate number of annual job openings for Nurse Practitioners in Texas for 2021?

With over five hundred new jobs and nearly four hundred replacement jobs becoming available yearly, the average annual job openings for nurse practitioners in Texas is approximately 1,170.

11. What is the job outlook for NPs in Texas?

The outlook for NP jobs in the state of Texas is promising. In fact, according to careeronestop.org, there is an anticipated 32% job growth rate for the state from 2018-2028. That’s approximately 3,970 new jobs that are expected to become available for NPs in the state.