Registered nurse salary in Tennessee
The median registered nurse in Tennessee earned $81,500 a year in 2025, $16,050 (16%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 41st of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $81,500
- Average yearly pay
- $85,390
- Employed in Tennessee
- 72,200
How Tennessee compares
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
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $81,500 | 72,200 |
| LPN or LVN | $58,870 | 20,830 |
| Nurse practitioner | $117,590 | 12,150 |
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 registered nurse make in Tennessee?
The median is $81,500 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Tennessee earn more and half earn less.
Is Tennessee a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Tennessee ranks 41st of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Tennessee pays 16% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Tennessee?
BLS counted 72,200 registered nurses 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 $85,390, $3,890 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.