Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median licensed practical nurse salary in Tennessee is $54,530 per year, equivalent to $26.22/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Tennessee employs approximately 19,140 licensed practical nurses statewide.
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $8,957. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Tennessee's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for licensed practical nurses.
Tennessee Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee Licensed Practical Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $54,530.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — Tennessee
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datalicensed practical nurses pay in Tennessee has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the licensed practical nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's healthcare and long-term care.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $60,550 | $29.11 | +11.0% | 6,699 |
| Memphis | $57,800 | $27.79 | +6.0% | 5,359 |
| Knoxville | $56,150 | $27.00 | +3.0% | 3,445 |
| Chattanooga | $52,350 | $25.17 | -4.0% | 1,722 |
| Clarksville | $49,600 | $23.85 | -9.0% | 1,148 |
| Murfreesboro | $47,450 | $22.81 | -13.0% | 765 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in Tennessee at $60,550/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for licensed practical nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for licensed practical nurses in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Tennessee's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for licensed practical nurses.
How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in Tennessee typically adds $44,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays licensed practical nurses $60,550/yr — +11.0% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays licensed practical nurses $58,450/yr — 7.2% vs Tennessee.
Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current licensed practical nurse job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs — Nashville, TN→