Houston vs McAllen: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,299▲ | $59,456 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.35▲ | $28.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,805▲ | $48,241 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,346▲ | $51,085 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,104▲ | $64,054 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,351▲ | $68,198 |
| Total Employed | 10,730▲ | 1,860 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $7,843 (13.19%). 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 Houston spans $27,546,McAllen spans $19,957. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, McAllen ($69,219 effective) pays 1.44% 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…
- ✓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
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,219)
- ✓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 17.1% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$48,090 (2019) → $63,670 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$48,030 (2019) → $56,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Houston or McAllen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and McAllen?
Should I relocate from Houston to McAllen as a licensed practical nurse?
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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