What’s a Good Salary in Houston Healthcare? (2025 Guide)
If you're working or planning to work in healthcare in Houston in 2025, a "good" salary generally means earning between $55,000 and $75,000 per year. This range gives you stability, room to grow, and enough cushion to handle Houston’s cost of living comfortably. For higher-skill roles like RNs, NPs, or administrators, that number can climb above $90,000. But even entry-level roles can be considered "good" when paired with low living expenses and growth opportunities.
Houston is a healthcare powerhouse. With institutions like the Texas Medical Center, MD Anderson, and Memorial Hermann, it's no surprise that thousands of people are trying to break into or move up within the industry. But not all healthcare jobs are created equal — especially when it comes to pay. So what counts as a solid paycheck in Houston's healthcare job market?
Entry-Level Roles: Just Getting Started
If you're entering the industry through a certification or diploma — think CNA, medical assistant, or phlebotomy — you're likely looking at starting salaries in the range of $28,000 to $40,000.
On paper, that might not sound huge, but here's the key: Houston’s lower housing costs and overall cost of living make that money go further than it would in cities like Austin, Dallas, or anywhere on the coasts.
A certified nursing assistant might bring home around $30,000, while a medical assistant could earn $35,000 to $42,000 depending on the clinic and neighborhood. These roles also come with a huge bonus: mobility. You can move from CNA to LVN or RN with the right training — and we’ve mapped out those paths right here.
Mid-Level Jobs With Room to Grow
This is the sweet spot for career switchers or those with a few years of experience. Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), radiology techs, and respiratory therapists can pull in anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000. These roles often come with better benefits, set schedules, and bonuses for working in certain hospital departments or shifts.
For example, an LVN working in a home health agency might earn less in base pay than one in a hospital, but may rack up overtime, mileage, and other incentives. Surgical techs or patient care coordinators are also in this range and offer great stability.
High-Skill, High-Compensation Roles
Once you step into the realm of registered nursing, advanced practice, or administrative leadership, you’re looking at salaries of $80,000 and up — often well into six figures. In 2025, nurse practitioners in Houston are averaging between $105,000 and $125,000 depending on their specialty. Physician assistants and clinical nurse specialists are in the same range.
Hospital roles that involve department or team leadership can also offer strong compensation. Clinical directors, healthcare IT managers, and administrators are seeing salaries between $100,000 and $180,000. And if you're in a high-stakes role like nurse anesthetist (CRNA)? You’re pushing into the $160,000 to $200,000 range.
What Makes Houston Unique?
Houston’s healthcare economy is huge — but its cost of living is still manageable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,200. Groceries and gas are lower than many major cities. Combine that with a strong job market and you get a formula where even a $45,000 salary can feel sustainable, especially for single-income households or new grads.
This is why a salary of $55,000–$75,000 is considered "good" for healthcare professionals in Houston. It provides a solid lifestyle with room to grow, especially if you’re not buried under rent or student debt.
Where the Best Pay Lives
Not all facilities pay the same. Large hospital systems like Houston Methodist, HCA, and MD Anderson generally offer higher base pay and better benefits than smaller clinics.
Specialized centers (surgical, oncology, dialysis) often pay more than primary care offices. Home health agencies can also be lucrative — especially for LVNs and CNAs who are willing to travel.
Shift differentials matter too. Nights and weekends pay more, and working in high-demand departments like ICU or ER can accelerate your income growth.
Looking to find these jobs fast? Check out our Houston Healthcare Employer Directory to see who’s hiring and what they pay.
Final Word: What's "Good" Depends on Your Goals
There’s no universal answer, but generally, if you work in healthcare $55k to $75k allows you to live comfortably in Houston.
A "good" salary in healthcare is the one that supports your life, aligns with your experience, and opens doors. In Houston, the healthcare job market is broad enough that you can find something that works whether you're just starting out or aiming for six figures.