Registered Nurse Salary Guide: Houston, TX

The steps to increasing your RN salary in Houston depend on your specific goals. If you enjoy working for your current employer, consider continuing your professional development to better position yourself for promotions, generally tied to raises. Alternatively, you can expand your skill set and credentials in preparation for looking for other staff nursing jobs in Houston if you’re ready for a change.

Advancing in your career allows you to take on new responsibilities and earn more money. Expanding your education is generally a guaranteed way to accomplish this advancement.
If you have an associate degree in nursing, explore bridge programs that allow you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while you work.

For RNs with a bachelor’s degree, earning a Master of Science in Nursing is the first step toward gaining certification in advanced practice roles, such as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner and certified registered nurse anesthetist. While exploring educational programs, talk to your employer about tuition reimbursement. You may get all or some of your tuition, books and fees paid for as an employee benefit.

Nursing certifications attest to your knowledge and experience caring for patients within a
population or branch of medicine and may help you get a raise or find a better-paying job. RNs can pursue dozens of specialties from certifying bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation and National Certification Corporation.

Each organization establishes a unique set of criteria for the credentials they grant. Generally, RNs must meet specific education and experience requirements and pass an exam to become certified.

Many RNs prefer to work the day shift, leaving healthcare employers with more openings for second-shift and third-shift positions. If your personal obligations and other responsibilities allow you the flexibility to work these shifts or a rotating schedule, you may be able to earn more per hour. Some employers also provide bonuses for weekend and holiday work.

If you want to remain in your current position but earn more money, ask your supervisor for a pay increase. Come to the negotiating table prepared to show why you deserve a raise. Update your CV with your skills, certifications, education, experience and quotes from positive performance reviews, and bring a copy to the meeting.

Use Vivian’s salary tool to determine how your wages compare to the average RN salary in Houston and explore other healthcare jobs in Houston to see what these currently pay. Strengthen your case and be prepared to negotiate for a better salary by compiling a list of statistics demonstrating why your wages aren’t competitive.