Dallas vs McAllen: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Dallas, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,805▲ | $84,817 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.35▲ | $40.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,298▲ | $67,514 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,975▲ | $68,578 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,504▲ | $98,402 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,598▲ | $104,752 |
| Total Employed | 76,680▲ | 5,400 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Dallas and McAllen is $21,988 (25.92%). Dallas's median is +3.97% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $59,300,McAllen spans $37,238. 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, Dallas ($103,604 effective) pays 4.92% more than McAllen ($98,745 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,805/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,598)
- ✓Larger job market (76,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,604)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Dallas grew 34.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$75,440 (2019) → $101,420 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$66,900 (2019) → $80,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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