Brownsville vs Houston: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Brownsville, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brownsville, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,826 | $139,202▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.94 | $66.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,277 | $100,222▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,498 | $120,519▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,375▲ | $148,637 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,706▲ | $164,310 |
| Total Employed | 300 | 5,970▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brownsville.
The salary gap between Brownsville and Houston is $10,376 (8.05%). Houston's median is +1.71% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brownsville spans $85,429,Houston spans $64,088. Brownsville 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, Brownsville ($149,841 effective) pays 6.17% more than Houston ($141,137 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brownsville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,706)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,841)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,202/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Brownsville grew -1.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Houston over the same period.
Brownsville, TX
$126,470 (2019) → $124,530 (2025)
Houston, TX
$119,290 (2019) → $134,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brownsville, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Brownsville or Houston?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov