Austin vs The Woodlands: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Austin, TX and The Woodlands, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | The Woodlands, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,468 | $137,538▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.68 | $66.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $118,388▲ | $106,039 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,044▲ | $122,937 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,537 | $165,372▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,234 | $185,345▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,700▲ | 21 |
Verdict
The Woodlands, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and The Woodlands is $5,070 (3.83%). The Woodlands's median is +0.49% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $53,846,The Woodlands spans $79,306. The Woodlands has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, The Woodlands ($143,269 effective) pays 6.06% 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 Austin if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose The Woodlands if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,538/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,345)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,269)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Austin grew 17.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in The Woodlands over the same period.
Austin, TX
$109,390 (2019) → $128,050 (2025)
The Woodlands, TX
$124,540 (2024) → $132,951 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
The Woodlands, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Austin or The Woodlands?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and The Woodlands?
Should I relocate from Austin to The Woodlands as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Austin vs The Woodlands?
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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