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Registered Nurse License Cost in Texas 2026: $350 Fees, $84K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Texas costs $350 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in Texas — Key Numbers

$350
Upfront Cost
$84K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$65
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.1 mo
Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Texas

Exam fee $200
Application fee $75
Initial license fee $75
Total upfront $350
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $65
CE hours required per cycle 30 hours
Salary without license (Texas) $41,160/yr
Salary with license (Texas) $84,280/yr
5-year net ROI $215K

Licensing body: Texas Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in Texas — What to Know

Texas RN demand is driven by hospital systems, long-term care, and home health agencies. The $84K median reflects the state's wage scale — solid earning potential with lower cost of living than coastal markets. The NCLEX-RN ($200) plus state fees brings the typical upfront licensing cost to $400–$600. Specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, ONC) carry meaningful salary premiums in Texas's hospital systems. RN-to-BSN completion programs are widely available in the state.

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Other License Costs in Texas

Real Estate Agent → Cosmetologist → CPA →
← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs
All certifications in Texas · Payback period by state
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