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Nursing jobs in Texas 2026

Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.

RN Shortage
35,496
Critical 12.6%
Median Annual Salary
$95,380
$45.86/hr
COL-Adjusted
$97,735
COL index: 97.99
Compact State?
Yes
NLC multistate eligible

Key insight

In Texas, there is a shortage of 35,496 registered nurses as of 2026 — 12.6% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $95,380 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $97,735 in national terms. This is a HIGH-priority EB-3 sponsorship state — international nurses are actively recruited here.

State nursing board

Texas Board of Nursing
Endorsement fee: $186 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal