El Paso vs Houston: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between El Paso, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,120 | $67,299▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.87 | $32.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,341 | $54,805▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,566 | $63,346▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,999 | $76,104▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,817 | $82,351▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,750 | 10,730▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between El Paso and Houston is $5,179 (8.34%). Houston's median is -1.13% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Paso spans $23,476,Houston spans $27,546. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, El Paso ($69,090 effective) pays 1.25% more than Houston ($68,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,090)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,299/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,351)
- ✓Larger job market (10,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in El Paso grew 24.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Houston over the same period.
El Paso, TX
$47,120 (2019) → $58,770 (2025)
Houston, TX
$48,090 (2019) → $63,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Paso, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: El Paso or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Paso and Houston?
Should I relocate from El Paso to Houston as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in El Paso vs Houston?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov