Austin vs San Antonio: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Austin, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,088▲ | $99,381 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.56▲ | $47.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,340▲ | $69,957 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,870▲ | $82,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,102▲ | $106,110 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,281▲ | $129,521 |
| Total Employed | 18,920 | 23,660▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between Austin and San Antonio is $3,707 (3.73%). Austin's median is +0.35% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $56,941,San Antonio spans $59,564. San Antonio has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($105,121 effective) pays 0.19% more than San Antonio ($104,925 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,088/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,281)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,121)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (23,660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Austin grew 35.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Austin, TX
$72,070 (2019) → $97,890 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$72,210 (2019) → $94,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I relocate from Austin to San Antonio as a registered nurse?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov