CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by TX Board of Healthcare

Registered Nurse Licensing in Texas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Texas, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Texas

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Texas Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $90,010 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Texas Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Texas

With a median salary of $90,010, Registered Nurses in Texas earn 4% below the national median of $93,600. Texas ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,420

Median annual salary

$90,010

Hourly estimate

$43.27
4% below national median

Difference: -$3,590

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$64,660
  • P2525th percentile$77,450
  • P50Median$90,010
  • P7575th percentile$102,200
  • P9090th percentile$122,060

State vs National Median

State: $90,010
National: $93,600

Total employment: 261,050 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#18 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Texas$90,010Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$81,160Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$77,130Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$78,880Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Mexico$88,260Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Texas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Oklahoma68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Arkansas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Louisiana68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Mexico68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Texas Board of Nursing

1801 Congress Ave, Ste. 10.200, Austin, TX, 78701

Phone: 5123057400

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Texas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$82,170Specific course requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$203,450Degree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$66,430Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$103,460Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Texas?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Texas?

Texas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.

What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Texas?

The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Texas.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Texas?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Texas is $90,010. Salaries range from $64,660 (10th percentile) to $122,060 (90th percentile).

How does the Registered Nurse salary in Texas compare to the national average?

Registered Nurses in Texas earn 4% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $90,010.

How many Registered Nurses work in Texas?

Texas employs approximately 261,050 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Texas from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Texas?

The licensing agency is Texas Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.bon.texas.gov/.

How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Texas?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.