Travel Nurse Salary Guide: Houston, TX

Knowing the facts about the average RN salary in Houston benefits current and prospective nurses alike. If you’re already working in the field, a clear picture of salary trends in Houston makes it easier to compare job opportunities. Houstonians weighing their healthcare career options can use knowledge of the average nurse salary in Houston to determine whether nursing school is a good investment. This post answers frequently asked questions about RN
jobs and wages in Houston with tips on increasing your RN pay in this popular Texas city.

Average Travel Nurse Salary

$2,178/week

The average salary for a Travel Nurse in Houston, TX is $2,178 per week. This is 13% higher than the Texas average of $1,897.

Last updated on September 29, 2026. Based on 3,481 active jobs on Vivian.com in the last 7 days.

Travel Nurse salaries in Houston, TX compared to State and National Averages

$2,178/week

Houston, TX

1% lower than the US average.

$1,897/week

Texas

16% lower than the US average.

$2,206/week

United States

How Travel Nurse Salaries in Houston Compare to Other Cities

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Pasadena, Texas

$1,929/week

This is 13% lower than the Houston average of $2,178.

Humble, Texas

$1,957/week

This is 11% lower than the Houston average of $2,178.

Webster, Texas

$1,879/week

This is 16% lower than the Houston average of $2,178.

What type of Travel Nurses make the most money in Houston?

Stepdown earns the most among Travel Nursing specialties in Houston, TX, averaging $2,763 per week, followed by CVOR ($2,472) and CCU - Coronary Care ($2,422). CCU - Coronary Care has the highest ceiling, with max weekly pay reaching $3,233. For comparison, the Houston, TX average for Travel Nurses is $2,178 per week — Stepdown earns 27% more.

SpecialtyAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
Stepdown$2,763$2,777
CVOR$2,472$2,888
CCU - Coronary Care$2,422$3,233
CVICU$2,422$3,233
MICU - Medical Intensive Care Unit$2,369$2,863
Cardiology$2,350$2,700
What are the highest paying Agencies for Travel Nurse jobs in Houston?

A.T. Staffing - "The Agency" Since 1969 pays Travel Nurses the most, averaging $2,888 per week, followed by National Staffing Solutions-Nursing ($2,800) and Medasource ($2,744). LRS Healthcare - Travel Nursing has the highest ceiling, with max weekly pay reaching $3,467. For comparison, the Houston, TX average for Travel Nurses is $2,178 per week — A.T. Staffing - "The Agency" Since 1969 pays 33% more.

Average Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
A.T. Staffing - "The Agency" Since 1969$2,888$2,888
National Staffing Solutions-Nursing$2,800$2,800
Medasource$2,744$2,744
Olaro$2,666$2,666
Secure Nursing Service LLC$2,656$2,656
First Connect Health$2,570$3,233
Jackson Nurse Professionals$2,560$2,726
HONESTLOVE GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL STAFFING$2,482$2,850
SkyBridge Healthcare Home Health & Hospice$2,456$2,456
LRS Healthcare - Travel Nursing$2,438$3,467

Last updated on September 29, 2026. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

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How Can You Increase Your Pay as a Nurse in Houston

Take a Travel Nurse Position

A comparison of the average weekly salary for travel nurse jobs in Houston of $2,390 per week and the permanent RN hourly rate of $39.11 reveals that travel RNs earned about 53% more per week in a 40-hour work week in late October 2022. Thus, nurses who don’t live in Houston but take travel contracts there earn the most.

You can also work as a local travel nurse if you want to live and work in the city. The downside is you won’t qualify for the tax-free stipends and per diems for housing, meals and other incidentals. Instead, your entire salary is subject to income tax, meaning you gross less after taxes compared to traditional travel nurses. However, local travel nurses often still earn more than their staffed counterparts.

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