Houston vs Austin: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Houston, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,299 | $68,261▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.35 | $32.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,805▲ | $54,636 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,346▲ | $62,765 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,104 | $77,119▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,351 | $82,731▲ |
| Total Employed | 10,730▲ | 3,620 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Austin is $962 (1.43%). Austin's median is +0.28% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $27,546,Austin spans $28,095. Austin 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, Austin ($69,607 effective) pays 2.01% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (10,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,261/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,731)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,607)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Houston grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Austin over the same period.
Houston, TX
$48,090 (2019) → $63,670 (2025)
Austin, TX
$49,310 (2019) → $64,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Houston or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Austin?
Should I relocate from Houston to Austin as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Houston vs Austin?
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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