Average Registered Nurse Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Registered Nurses in Tennessee earn an average of $87,682 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +6.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$87,682
per year
Hourly Rate
$42.15
per hour
vs National
-6.3%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$58,266
to $125,748
About Registered Nurse Careers in Tennessee
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Tennessee, registered nurses earn an average of $87,682 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $58,266 for entry-level roles to $125,748 for the most experienced professionals — +6.3% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Tennessee.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$87,682
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$94,282
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $87,682 has the purchasing power of $94,282 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $91,550 | $44.01/hr | $59,949 | $129,604 | 3,055 |
| Memphis, TN | $83,813 | $40.29/hr | $56,583 | $121,891 | 2,917 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 5,972 Registered Nurses employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$58,266
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$87,682
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$125,748
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Pharmacist
$123,297
avg in TN
+$35,615 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$118,823
avg in TN
+$31,141 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$83,156
avg in TN
-$4,526 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$54,597
avg in TN
-$33,085 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$34,705
avg in TN
-$52,977 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Tennessee?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Tennessee is $87,682 per year ($42.15/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 6.3% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Tennessee, with a median salary of $91,550 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $83,813.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Tennessee?
Registered Nurse salaries in Tennessee range from $58,266 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $125,748 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $87,682 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Tennessee. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.