Nurse practitioner salary in Tennessee

The median nurse practitioner in Tennessee earned $117,590 a year in 2025, $14,710 (11%) below the $132,300 national median. That ranks 50th of 51 states.

Median yearly pay
$117,590
Average yearly pay
$115,510
Employed in Tennessee
12,150

How Tennessee compares

  • California highest state$168,520
  • United States national median$132,300
  • Middle state median of state medians$131,450
  • Tennessee 50th of 51$117,590
  • Alabama lowest state$105,750

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.

Nursing pay in Tennessee

Median pay by nursing role in Tennessee
RoleMedian yearly payEmployed
Registered nurse$81,50072,200
LPN or LVN$58,87020,830
Nurse practitioner$117,59012,150

A nurse practitioner in Tennessee earns a median $36,090 more than a registered nurse ($117,590 against $81,500). A registered nurse earns a median $22,630 more than an LPN or LVN here ($81,500 against $58,870).

Next steps

Common questions

How much does a nurse practitioner make in Tennessee?

The median is $117,590 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of nurse practitioners in Tennessee earn more and half earn less.

Is Tennessee a high-paying state for nurse practitioners?

Tennessee ranks 50th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $132,300, so Tennessee pays 11% below it. The highest median is $168,520 in California.

How many nurse practitioners work in Tennessee?

BLS counted 12,150 nurse practitioners employed in Tennessee in May 2025.

Why is the average different from the median?

The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Tennessee the average is $115,510.

What do you need to work as a nurse practitioner in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires an RN license plus a master’s or doctoral degree in an advanced practice specialty, and a state license.