According to the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, Texas is in the midst of an impending nursing shortage crisis of epic proportions. In fact, 2017 projections show that the Lone Star State will face a shortage of all types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) through 2030.
- The supply of nurse practitioners (NPs) in Texas is projected to increase nearly 67% between 2015 to 2030, rising from 9,246 to 15,412 NPs. At the same time, the demand is projected to grow 46%, rising from 13,826 in 2015 to 20,227 in 2030.
- The supply of nurse anesthetists is projected to grow from 2,981 in 2015 to 4,238 in 2030. However, during the same period, the demand for these nursing professionals is projected to grow by 56.3%, rising from 3,155 in 2015 to 4,932 in 2030—a deficit of 694 nurse anesthetists by 2030.
- The supply of certified nurse-midwives in Texas is projected to decrease by 10.5% between 2015 and 2030, falling from 275 to 246. At the same time, demand is projected to continue to increase, rising from 904 nurse-midwives in 2015 to 1,183 in 2030. In other words, about 80% of the demand for nurse-midwives in Texas will not be met.
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While APRNs can be licensed with a master’s degree in Texas, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is rapidly becoming the preferred credential for these advanced clinical practitioners. Employers often prefer DNP-educated nurses because these programs offer the highest level of practical training available to nurses.
And Texas’ nurses are taking note, as the shift toward the DNP is clear. In 2018, the Board of Nursing revealed that of the 3,033 doctorate-prepared RNs licensed in the state, 2,988 held a DNP.
Earning a DNP confers an assurance of high salaries, as shown by an Advance Healthcare Network national survey of nurse practitioners in 2018. NPs with a DNP earned an average of $7,683 more a year than their colleagues whose highest degree was an MSN.
Statewide Salary Data for DNP-Educated APRNs and More in Texas
DNP-educated nurses in all their various roles are consistently recognized for earning top salaries (Texas Workforce Commission, 2018):
- Nurse Anesthetists – $184,930-$205,860
- Nurse Administrators and Executives – $123,070-$163,250
- Nursing Instructors – $88,540-$110,420
- Nurse-Midwives – $99,760-$121,360
- Nurse Practitioners – $126,800-$151,720
Salaries for DNP Nurses in the Major Cities of Texas
The Texas Workforce Commission provides salary information for DNP-educated advanced nursing professionals in the major cities of the state (2018):
Nurse Administrators:
- Amarillo: $122,370-$145,750
- Austin: $120,640-$172,370
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: $121,320-$160,810
- El Paso: $110,040-$138,110
- Houston: $133,740-$191,650
- Lubbock: $121,920-$163,930
- San Antonio: $120,640-$166,030
- Waco: $113,430-$135,050
Nursing Instructors:
- Amarillo: $68,720-$84,100
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: $84,480-$104,490
- El Paso: $82,260-$103,230
- Houston: $99,400-$120,330
Nurse Practitioners:
- Amarillo: $119,460-$131,830
- Austin: $119,540-$129,200
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: $122,500-$137,180
- El Paso: $122,490-$133,230
- Houston: $138,050-$161,050
- Lubbock: $132,710-$154,410
- San Antonio: $121,700-$134,960
- Waco: $131,720-$151,300
Nurse-Midwives:
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: $82,200-$117,020
- Houston: $110,790-$124,340
Nurse Anesthetists:
- Austin: $92,640-$113,240
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: $194,290
- Houston: $180,170-$203,680
An Overview of Hourly Wages for DNP-Educated Nurses in Texas
A 2019 Medscape Compensation Report found that 78% of APRNs are paid overtime for their work, thus revealing that not only are the majority of these nursing professionals paid hourly, but that overtime wages can significantly boost their annual compensation.
The Texas Workforce Commission provides hourly wages for DNP-educated nursing professionals, as of 2018:
- Nurse Midwives: $46.99-$50.37
- Nurse Anesthetists: $80.16-$93.90
- Nurse Practitioners: $54.79-$62.18
- Nurse Administrators: $59.17-$78.49
Salary and employment data compiled by the Texas Workforce Commission in May of 2018 – (https://texaslmi.com/LMIbyCategory/Projections). Salary data represents state and MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) average and median earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
All salary and job growth data accessed in December 2019.
This page includes salaries that fall within the 75th and 90th percentiles for each nursing role to account for the fact that DNP-educated nurses are recognized as earning more than master’s-prepared nurses in the same roles.