California vs Texas: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
The nation's two largest healthcare markets. California pays nurses the most. Texas offers lower cost of living.
California
43,709
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $148,330
- Avg physician salary
- $365,000
- Cost of living
- 144.8
- Top state income tax
- 13.3%
Texas
56,418
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $85,110
- Avg physician salary
- $380,000
- Cost of living
- 92.7
- Top state income tax
- 0%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | California | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians tracked | 43,709 | 56,418 |
| Cities served | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $148,330 | $85,110 |
| Avg physician salary | $365,000 | $380,000 |
| Cost of living (100 = US avg) | 144.8 | 92.7 |
| State income tax (top rate) | 13.3% | 0% |
Salary figures are approximate, drawn from public sources including BLS, Medscape, and Doximity compensation reports.
Top Cities for Providers
California
- Los Angeles4,629
- LOS ANGELES1,881
- Palo Alto1,193
- Orange991
- Fresno805
Texas
- Houston10,113
- Dallas5,567
- Austin3,104
- HOUSTON2,783
- Fort Worth2,175
Notable Health Systems
California
- • UCLA Health
- • Stanford Health
- • Cedars-Sinai
- • Kaiser Permanente
Texas
- • MD Anderson
- • Texas Children's
- • UT Southwestern
- • Baylor Scott & White
- • Houston Methodist
Medical Licensure Boards
Each state has its own medical board. Check fees, required CME hours, and reciprocity before applying.
California
https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays nurses more, California or Texas?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), registered nurses in California earn an average of $148,330, compared to $85,110 in Texas. The gap is roughly $63,220 per year before adjusting for cost of living.
Which state has higher physician salaries, California or Texas?
Aggregated compensation data shows physicians in Texas earn approximately $380,000 on average, compared to $365,000 in California. Specialty and practice setting drive much larger variations than state averages suggest.
How does the cost of living compare between California and Texas?
Using the MERIC Q4 2024 cost-of-living index (100 = national average), California is 144.8 and Texas is 92.7. Texas (92.7) is the more affordable of the two, while California (144.8) is more expensive. Housing is typically the largest driver of these differences.
How many physicians practice in California vs. Texas?
Ava Health tracks approximately 43,709 physicians in California across 1,000 cities, and 56,418 physicians in Texas across 1,000 cities, plus nurses and therapists in both states. Figures are sourced from the CMS NPPES NPI registry and refreshed regularly.
Which state has a more favorable tax environment for healthcare providers?
California has a top state income tax rate of 13.3%, while Texas's top rate is 0%. Always factor in property tax, sales tax, and local taxes before making a relocation decision. States with no income tax often offset through higher sales or property taxes.
Other State Comparisons
Florida vs Texas
Two Sun Belt giants. Texas edges ahead on physician salary. Florida wins on retiree-driven demand.
California vs New York
Coast-to-coast heavyweights. Both pay top 10 nationwide. The decision often comes down to lifestyle.
New York vs New Jersey
Same metro, different tax regime. NJ licensure offers similar pay with lower state income tax.
Texas vs Arizona
No-state-income-tax Texas vs. high-demand Arizona. Both are fast-growing healthcare markets.
North Carolina vs Virginia
Research Triangle vs. DC metro. Different healthcare ecosystems, comparable salaries.
Washington vs Oregon
Pacific Northwest rivals. Washington has no state income tax. Oregon pays RNs among the top nationwide.