Amarillo vs Austin: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Amarillo, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Amarillo, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,261 | $132,468▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.27 | $63.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,274 | $118,388▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,895 | $129,044▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,092 | $155,537▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,351 | $172,234▲ |
| Total Employed | 240 | 2,700▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Amarillo.
The salary gap between Amarillo and Austin is $9,207 (7.47%). Austin's median is -3.21% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amarillo spans $67,077,Austin spans $53,846. Amarillo 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, Austin ($135,080 effective) pays 0.62% more than Amarillo ($134,242 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Amarillo if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,468/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,234)
- ✓Larger job market (2,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,080)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Amarillo grew 17.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in Austin over the same period.
Amarillo, TX
$101,600 (2019) → $119,150 (2025)
Austin, TX
$109,390 (2019) → $128,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Amarillo, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Amarillo or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Amarillo and Austin?
Should I relocate from Amarillo to Austin as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Amarillo 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