Houston vs Killeen: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Houston, TX and Killeen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Killeen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,202 | $143,454▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.92 | $68.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,222 | $118,336▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,519 | $133,492▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $148,637 | $154,172▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,310 | $169,741▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,970▲ | 480 |
Verdict
Killeen, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Killeen is $4,252 (3.05%). Killeen's median is +4.81% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $64,088,Killeen spans $51,405. 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, Killeen ($157,413 effective) pays 11.53% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Killeen if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,454/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,741)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,413)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Houston grew 12.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Killeen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$119,290 (2019) → $134,560 (2025)
Killeen, TX
$110,300 (2019) → $138,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Killeen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Houston or Killeen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Killeen?
Should I relocate from Houston to Killeen as a nurse practitioner?
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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