Frisco vs Houston: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Frisco, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Frisco, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,860 | $105,131▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.20 | $50.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,011 | $78,835▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,727 | $86,238▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,590 | $122,160▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,248 | $137,366▲ |
| Total Employed | 38 | 65,910▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Frisco.
The salary gap between Frisco and Houston is $15,271 (16.99%). Houston's median is +2.34% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Frisco spans $78,237,Houston spans $58,531. Frisco 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 ($106,592 effective) pays 13.88% more than Frisco ($93,604 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Frisco if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,131/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,366)
- ✓Larger job market (65,910 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,592)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Frisco grew 1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.8% growth in Houston over the same period.
Frisco, TX
$84,495 (2024) → $85,329 (2025)
Houston, TX
$80,640 (2019) → $99,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frisco, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Frisco or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Frisco and Houston?
Should I relocate from Frisco to Houston as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Frisco vs Houston?
Related Comparisons
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