May 2025 BLS data
Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Tennessee
The median nursing assistant (cna) in Tennessee earns $37,990/year ($18.27/hr) — 10% below the national median.
Median pay
$37,990/yr
Hourly median
$18.27/hr
State rank
#40 of 51
Employed
27,040
Nursing Assistant (CNA) pay percentiles in Tennessee
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $14.96 | $31,110 |
| 25th percentile | $17.09 | $35,560 |
| Median (50th) | $18.27 | $37,990 |
| 75th percentile | $19.66 | $40,880 |
| 90th percentile | $21.47 | $44,660 |
The spread is large: top-decile nursing assistant (cna)s in Tennessee out-earn the bottom decile by $6.51/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in Tennessee earn
$14.96–$21.47 /hour
Median $37,990/year · 27,040 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
- Virginia$43,200/yr
- North Carolina$38,460/yr
- Kentucky$38,370/yr
- Georgia$37,680/yr
- Missouri$37,680/yr
- Arkansas$34,430/yr
- Alabama$34,140/yr
- Mississippi$31,520/yr
Top-paying states for nursing assistant (cna)s
- 1. Oregon$49,830/yr
- 2. Washington$49,180/yr
- 3. New York$48,590/yr
- 4. New Hampshire$47,870/yr
- 5. District of Columbia$47,700/yr
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Nursing Assistant (CNA) salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a nursing assistant (cna) make in Tennessee?
The median nursing assistant (cna) in Tennessee earns $37,990 per year, or $18.27 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $31,110 (10th percentile) and $44,660 (90th percentile).
What is a good nursing assistant (cna) salary in Tennessee?
Top-quartile nursing assistant (cna)s in Tennessee earn $40,880 or more per year ($19.66/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for nursing assistant (cna)s?
Tennessee ranks #40 of 51 states, with a median 10% below the national median of $42,260.
What do entry-level nursing assistant (cna)s earn in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $31,110–$35,560 per year ($14.96–$17.09/hr) in Tennessee.