Travel Nurse Salary in Texas (2026)
Here's what travel nurses actually earn in Texas in 2026 — weekly packages by specialty, top-paying cities, licensing, and how taxes and cost of living shape your real take-home.
Updated June 2026 · Estimates compiled from public job-board data
How much do travel nurses make in Texas?
In 2026, most Texas travel nurse contracts land between $2,200 – $3,400 per week in total compensation — taxable base pay plus tax-free housing and meal stipends — with a common average around ~$2,700/week. Annualized, that's roughly $114K–$176K if you stay booked year-round (most travelers take time off between contracts, so real annual pay is usually lower).
Texas combines a huge volume of contracts with no state income tax, which often makes its take-home very competitive even when gross pay trails coastal states.
Texas travel nurse pay by specialty
Typical 2026 weekly total packages by specialty in Texas. High-acuity and procedural roles command the most.
| Specialty | Typical weekly range |
|---|---|
| ICU / Critical Care | $2,890 – $3,400 |
| ER / Emergency | $2,652 – $3,230 |
| L&D / Labor & Delivery | $2,652 – $3,298 |
| OR / Surgical | $2,448 – $3,060 |
| Telemetry / PCU | $2,310 – $2,890 |
| Med-Surg | $2,200 – $3,000 |
Want your own number? Plug your offer into the free pay calculator to see estimated take-home after Texas taxes and stipends.
Highest-paying Texas cities for travel nurses
The strongest pay and contract volume in Texas are usually around Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio. Bigger metros pay more but cost more — smaller cities can deliver better net value once housing is factored in.
Licensing: working as a travel nurse in Texas
Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. If you hold a multistate (compact) license, you can typically start a Texas contract without waiting for a new state license — a real scheduling advantage. Always confirm current compact status with the compact license guide and your state board.
How to maximize your take-home
- Protect your tax-free stipends by maintaining a tax home and duplicating expenses — see the tax guide.
- Compare net, not gross — weigh state tax and housing cost.
- Use the Housing Finder to compare furnished options before you commit.
- Run the contract through the Contract Analyzer for float, OT, and cancellation terms.
See your real Texas take-home in 60 seconds
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How much do travel nurses make in Texas in 2026?
Most Texas contracts pay $2,200 – $3,400 per week in total compensation, with a common average around ~$2,700/week. High-demand specialties trend higher.
Are travel nurse stipends taxed in Texas?
Housing and meal stipends are tax-free if you maintain a legitimate tax home and duplicate living expenses. Texas's state income tax on taxable base pay is 0%.
Which Texas cities pay travel nurses the most?
Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio typically post the highest pay and most contracts, though larger metros also have higher living costs.
Do I need a compact license to work in Texas?
Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact member, so a multistate/compact license generally lets you start without a separate Texas license. Confirm current status with your state board.
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All figures are estimates compiled from publicly available job-board listings and are for general comparison only. Actual pay varies by facility, agency, experience, shift, and contract terms. ScrubbedIn is not a tax advisor; consult a qualified professional for personalized advice.