Dallas vs Houston: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,499 | $139,202▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.14 | $66.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,922 | $100,222▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,643 | $120,519▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,948▲ | $148,637 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,572▲ | $164,310 |
| Total Employed | 7,310▲ | 5,970 |
Verdict
Dallas and Houston are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Dallas and Houston is $3,703 (2.73%). 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 Dallas spans $71,650,Houston spans $64,088. Dallas 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, Houston ($141,137 effective) pays 7.38% more than Dallas ($131,438 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,572)
- ✓Larger job market (7,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,202/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,137)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Dallas grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Houston over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$111,190 (2019) → $130,980 (2025)
Houston, TX
$119,290 (2019) → $134,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Dallas or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Houston?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Houston as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Dallas vs 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