Registered Nurses Salary Comparison
Chicago vs Dallas
Compare Registered Nurses salaries and employment across different metropolitan areas. Understand regional salary differences to make informed career location decisions.
Quick Summary
Dallas pays Registered Nurses professionals approximately 2.3% more than Chicago, with a median salary of $98,740 compared to $96,480.
Detailed Salary Comparison
Compare Registered Nurses salaries across Chicago and Dallas based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data (2024).
Chicago
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Dallas
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington
| Metric | Chicago Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | Dallas Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Median Annual Salary Half earn more, half earn less | $96,480 | $98,740 ✓ | |
| 📊 Average Annual Salary Mathematical average of all salaries | $94,580 | $96,720 ✓ | |
| 🎯 Entry Level (10th %ile) Starting salary range | $72,070 ✓ | $67,400 | |
| ⭐ Senior Level (90th %ile) Top earner range | $118,080 | $122,800 ✓ | |
| 👥 Employment Number of jobs | 100,620 ✓ | 72,640 | -27.8% -27,980 |
Chicago
Dallas
Important Considerations
While salary differences are important, they don't tell the complete story. When comparing cities for your Registered Nurses career:
- Cost of Living: Higher salaries often correlate with higher housing, food, and transportation costs.
- Career Growth: Consider which city has more companies and opportunities in your specific industry.
- Quality of Life: Evaluate climate, culture, commute times, and lifestyle preferences.
- Tax Implications: State and local taxes can significantly impact take-home pay.
- Network Effects: Being in a major hub for your industry can accelerate career advancement.
Want to explore more about Registered Nurses careers?
View Full Registered Nurses Career Guide →Registered Nurses Location Comparison FAQ
How much do Registered Nurses professionals make in Chicago vs Dallas?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (2024), Registered Nurses professionals in Chicago earn a median annual salary of $96,480, while those in Dallas earn $98,740. The difference is approximately 2.3%.
Which city pays Registered Nurses professionals more?
Dallas offers higher median salaries for Registered Nurses professionals, with a median of $98,740 compared to $96,480 in Chicago.
Are there more Registered Nurses jobs in Chicago or Dallas?
Chicago has approximately 100,620 Registered Nurses positions, while Dallas has 72,640 positions. Chicago offers more job opportunities in this field.
Should I move to Chicago or Dallas for a Registered Nurses career?
When deciding between Chicago and Dallas for your Registered Nurses career, consider not just salary differences but also cost of living, quality of life, industry concentration, and networking opportunities. Dallas offers higher salaries, but higher salaries often correlate with higher living costs. Research housing prices, transportation costs, and lifestyle preferences before making your decision.
Data Source & Attribution
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Data Period: May 2024
Last Verified: December 25, 2025
Metropolitan area employment and wage estimates. Individual results may vary based on specific employer, experience, industry, and certifications.
Salary and employment data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Wages shown are before taxes and may vary based on experience, education, and employer. Geographic location significantly impacts compensation.
How to cite this data
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)." May 2024. Analyzed by Wageography, 2025. Available: https://www.bls.gov/oes/