Houston vs Mesquite: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Houston, TX and Mesquite, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Mesquite, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,202▲ | $132,768 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.92▲ | $63.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,222 | $102,078▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,519▲ | $118,054 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,637 | $159,006▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,310 | $177,854▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,970▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesquite.
The salary gap between Houston and Mesquite is $6,434 (4.85%). Houston's median is +1.71% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $64,088,Mesquite spans $75,776. Mesquite 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, Houston ($141,137 effective) pays 2.05% more than Mesquite ($138,300 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,202/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,137)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Mesquite if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,854)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Houston grew 12.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.5% growth in Mesquite over the same period.
Houston, TX
$119,290 (2019) → $134,560 (2025)
Mesquite, TX
$124,046 (2024) → $128,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Mesquite, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Houston or Mesquite?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Mesquite?
Should I relocate from Houston to Mesquite as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Houston vs Mesquite?
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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