Abilene vs Austin: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Abilene, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,575▲ | $132,468 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.22▲ | $63.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,363 | $118,388▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,343 | $129,044▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,927 | $155,537▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,323 | $172,234▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 2,700▲ |
Verdict
Abilene and Austin are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Abilene and Austin is $1,107 (0.84%). Abilene's median is -2.40% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Abilene spans $95,960,Austin spans $53,846. Abilene has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Abilene ($147,819 effective) pays 9.43% more than Austin ($135,080 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Abilene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,575/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,819)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,234)
- ✓Larger job market (2,700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Abilene grew 21.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in Austin over the same period.
Abilene, TX
$106,250 (2019) → $129,120 (2025)
Austin, TX
$109,390 (2019) → $128,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Abilene, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Abilene or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Abilene and Austin?
Should I relocate from Abilene to Austin as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Abilene vs Austin?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov