Texas vs Arizona: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
No-state-income-tax Texas vs. high-demand Arizona. Both are fast-growing healthcare markets.
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%
Arizona
14,507
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $89,310
- Avg physician salary
- $353,000
- Cost of living
- 108.4
- Top state income tax
- 2.5%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Texas | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians tracked | 56,418 | 14,507 |
| Cities served | 1,000 | 259 |
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $85,110 | $89,310 |
| Avg physician salary | $380,000 | $353,000 |
| Cost of living (100 = US avg) | 92.7 | 108.4 |
| State income tax (top rate) | 0% | 2.5% |
Salary figures are approximate, drawn from public sources including BLS, Medscape, and Doximity compensation reports.
Top Cities for Providers
Texas
- Houston10,113
- Dallas5,567
- Austin3,104
- HOUSTON2,783
- Fort Worth2,175
Arizona
- PHOENIX2,722
- TUCSON1,528
- Phoenix1,348
- SCOTTSDALE1,013
- Tucson913
Notable Health Systems
Texas
- • MD Anderson
- • Texas Children's
- • UT Southwestern
- • Baylor Scott & White
- • Houston Methodist
Arizona
- • Banner Health
- • Mayo Clinic Arizona
- • HonorHealth
Medical Licensure Boards
Each state has its own medical board. Check fees, required CME hours, and reciprocity before applying.
Arizona
https://azmd.gov/Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays nurses more, Texas or Arizona?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), registered nurses in Arizona earn an average of $89,310, compared to $85,110 in Texas. The gap is roughly $4,200 per year before adjusting for cost of living.
Which state has higher physician salaries, Texas or Arizona?
Aggregated compensation data shows physicians in Texas earn approximately $380,000 on average, compared to $353,000 in Arizona. Specialty and practice setting drive much larger variations than state averages suggest.
How does the cost of living compare between Texas and Arizona?
Using the MERIC Q4 2024 cost-of-living index (100 = national average), Texas is 92.7 and Arizona is 108.4. Texas (92.7) is the more affordable of the two, while Arizona (108.4) is more expensive. Housing is typically the largest driver of these differences.
How many physicians practice in Texas vs. Arizona?
Ava Health tracks approximately 56,418 physicians in Texas across 1,000 cities, and 14,507 physicians in Arizona across 259 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?
Texas has a top state income tax rate of 0%, while Arizona's top rate is 2.5%. 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 Texas
The nation's two largest healthcare markets. California pays nurses the most. Texas offers lower cost of living.
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.
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.