They say everything’s bigger and better in Texas — and that saying definitely holds true when it comes to travel nurse and travel allied healthcare jobs! The Lone Star State conjures images of everything from prairies to ranches to beaches, from charming small towns to major urban hubs.
Texas contains all of these multitudes and much more! If you want your career in care to take you to Texas, read on to learn more about this great state and explore travel nursing job opportunities there.
The most popular nursing specialties with positions available in Texas include:
Due in part to its size and abundance of healthcare facilities, Texas consistently offers a steady stream of quality job opportunities for travel nurses and travel allied health professionals. Plus, it’s a really fun place to explore on your days off.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2020/2021 Best Hospitals list evaluated 566 hospitals in Texas, including #1-ranked Houston Methodist Hospital, #2-ranked UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, and #3-ranked Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston.
Texas has more hospitals than any other state in the nation, so there are tons of other hospitals and non-hospital healthcare facilities throughout the state as well. U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best States list ranked Texas at #31 overall, #9 for economy, and #10 for fiscal stability. Texas is wonderful location to live, work, play, and make great pay!
Texas is currently in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in other NLC states without having to get additional state licenses. New states are frequently joining so keep an eye on the latest NLC map. Our team is always happy to help you with any Texas state licensing questions.
Registered Nurse pay offered in Texas varies based on several factors. The average salary (hourly rate) for RN positions in TX is $37.58/hr (approximately $71,000/yr). With that being said, the average hourly wage doesn’t provide much insight for a prospective travel nurse. Factor in the average overtime pay of $11,981 for a better idea of the average annual RN salary. However, this is still not that useful for most nurses.
The highest demand RN specialties are often in highest paying. The most in demand RN specialties are ICU, OR, ER, L&D, and NICU. MedSurg, Telemetry, and LTAC nurses are also in high demand. Becoming certified and gaining experience in a higher demand unit will help you earn a higher salary as a registered nurse in Texas.
Location is also a huge factor for RN pay. Cost of living factors in to what hospitals are willing to offer, and cost of living is higher in highly populated urban centers. While this is mostly always true, travel nursing opportunities can often pay more in rural areas due to the difficulties in attracting quality candidates. Nurse salaries in Texas vary widely and depend on demand in addition to population density.
The highest paying RN jobs in TX are in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Arlington, San Antonio, McAllen, Killeen, Austin, and Brownsville.
New grad nurses will be disappointed to learn that experience is one of the biggest factors in calculating salaries. This is doubly true when considering that RNs often have a higher earning potential with travel nursing. Registered nurses must have at least 2 years of experience in order to travel. This is a standard requirement that originates from the facility. However, some hospitals that are in dire straits may be willing to work with a nurse with only 1 year experience. This is the exception, not the rule.
New nurses should focus on acquiring skills, becoming certified, and getting the requisite 2 years of experience before considering traveling.
Nursing jobs in Texas are like any other state, your job title and specialty matter. Nurse Practitioners are often in less demand when it comes to travel nursing. So you may find that the pay difference between perm positions and travel is not that much.
Similarly, case management and nurse manager jobs are often not in as high demand as other RN specialties. Positions like CRNAs (Nurse Anesthetist) are high paying positions no matter where you are. But because demand is lower from a travel perspective you may not receive an offer that knocks your socks off.
The most high demand specialties are those that will see the biggest pay bump from perm positions. These include Medical Surgical, Telemetry, Stepdown, ICU, ER, OR, and L&D.
Earning potential for travel nurses is quite different than staff nurses. As a travel nurse you will have an opportunity to earn stipends, have paid housing, receive signing bonuses, and loyalty bonuses. These can, and should, factor into your earning potential calculations.
Good news for travelers who want to mess with Texas: The Lone Star State offers a ton of variety, activities, history, and natural beauty for you to explore.
Popular attractions and destinations include the San Antonio Riverwalk, The Alamo, Space Center Houston, Padre Island National Seashore, Big Bend National Park, Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, Houston’s Museum District, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Cadillac Ranch.
You can also explore beautiful beaches, hike, bike, kayak, golf, stargaze, go boating, go shopping, attend a rodeo, and explore incredible arts, culture, and history statewide. Sports fans will have a blast in the state that made “Friday Night Lights” iconic, so be sure to take in a game with the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, or another of the state’s many pro and collegiate teams.
Speaking of college sports, Texas loves college football. Most folks are allied with one team or another. Whether it’s the University of Texas Longhorns, the TCU Horned Frogs, or any one of the 20+ division 1 NCAA programs you’re bound to have a good time and develop some rivalries.
When the chuckwagon comes a rollin’ ’round in Texas, taste buds are bound to be delighted. Everybody knows about the Lone Star State’s world-famous barbecue. Local Texans will tell you that it’s known for a lot more than just bbq.
Several iconic local favorites include kolaches, breakfast tacos, Gulf shrimp and oysters, Blue Bell ice cream, Frito pie, fried and pickled okra, Texas caviar, Wash it all down with an ice-cold sweet tea or frozen margarita and you’ll be living like a true Texan!
If city living and the nightlife is your jam Austin might be a good place to visit. Austin, Texas has been dubbed the live music capitol of the world and for good reason. If you enjoy going to concerts or music festivals, and you’re traveling in Texas, Austin is a “must visit” city.
Texas is home to many charming towns that offer visitors a taste of small-town Texas hospitality and charm. Here are a few of them:
Fredericksburg: Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is a picturesque town known for its German heritage, wineries, and charming Main Street lined with unique shops and restaurants.
Wimberley: Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Wimberley is known for its natural beauty, quaint shops, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, swimming, and fishing.
Georgetown: This charming town located just north of Austin offers visitors a mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With its beautiful town square, unique shops, and historic homes, Georgetown is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the best of Texas.
Grapevine: Known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine is a charming town located between Dallas and Fort Worth. With its historic downtown, wineries, and proximity to DFW International Airport, Grapevine is a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
Boerne: Located just northwest of San Antonio, Boerne is a quaint town known for its historic architecture, charming Main Street, and beautiful parks and natural areas.
Salado: This small town, located between Austin and Waco, is known for its charming downtown area, historic buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings. With its many art galleries, unique shops, and award-winning restaurants, Salado is a popular destination for visitors looking for a taste of small-town Texas charm.