Plano vs San Antonio: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Plano, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Plano, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,653 | $99,381▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.59 | $47.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,750 | $69,957▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,284 | $82,247▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,930 | $106,110▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,562▲ | $129,521 |
| Total Employed | 57 | 23,660▲ |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Plano.
The salary gap between Plano and San Antonio is $8,728 (9.63%). San Antonio's median is -3.26% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Plano spans $69,812,San Antonio spans $59,564. Plano 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, San Antonio ($104,925 effective) pays 11.11% more than Plano ($94,430 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Plano if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,562)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,381/year)
- ✓Larger job market (23,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,925)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Plano grew 1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Plano, TX
$85,241 (2024) → $86,082 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$72,210 (2019) → $94,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Plano or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Plano and San Antonio?
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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