Registered Nurse Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Registered Nurses in Tennessee earn an average of $79,030 per year ($38.00/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 67,990 registered nurses.
Registered Nurse salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $11,146. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Tennessee's economy continues to add registered nurse jobs as population and businesses grow.
Tennessee Registered 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 Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $79,030.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Tennessee
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for registered nurses in Tennessee: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $87,700 | $42.16 | +11.0% | 23,796 |
| Memphis | $83,750 | $40.26 | +6.0% | 19,037 |
| Knoxville | $81,400 | $39.13 | +3.0% | 12,238 |
| Chattanooga | $75,850 | $36.47 | -4.0% | 6,119 |
| Clarksville | $71,900 | $34.57 | -9.0% | 4,079 |
| Murfreesboro | $68,750 | $33.05 | -13.0% | 2,719 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Tennessee at $87,700/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 registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Tennessee's economy continues to add registered nurse jobs as population and businesses grow.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Tennessee typically adds $64,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays registered nurses $87,700/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. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals 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 registered nurses $79,910/yr — 1.1% vs Tennessee.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Nashville, TN→