May 2025 BLS data
Registered Nurse salary in Tennessee
The median registered nurse in Tennessee earns $81,500/year ($39.18/hr) — 16% below the national median.
Median pay
$81,500/yr
Hourly median
$39.18/hr
State rank
#41 of 51
Employed
72,200
Registered Nurse pay percentiles in Tennessee
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30.76 | $63,970 |
| 25th percentile | $36.28 | $75,460 |
| Median (50th) | $39.18 | $81,500 |
| 75th percentile | $45.79 | $95,250 |
| 90th percentile | $50.44 | $104,920 |
The spread is large: top-decile registered nurses in Tennessee out-earn the bottom decile by $19.68/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?
Registered Nurses in Tennessee earn
$30.76–$50.44 /hour
Median $81,500/year · 72,200 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
- Virginia$93,600/yr
- Georgia$93,550/yr
- North Carolina$84,350/yr
- Missouri$81,780/yr
- Kentucky$81,040/yr
- Arkansas$78,940/yr
- Mississippi$77,090/yr
- Alabama$77,080/yr
Top-paying states for registered nurses
- 1. California$140,270/yr
- 2. Hawaii$136,320/yr
- 3. Oregon$129,010/yr
- 4. Washington$124,200/yr
- 5. Alaska$109,480/yr
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Registered Nurse salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Tennessee?
The median registered nurse in Tennessee earns $81,500 per year, or $39.18 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $63,970 (10th percentile) and $104,920 (90th percentile).
What is a good registered nurse salary in Tennessee?
Top-quartile registered nurses in Tennessee earn $95,250 or more per year ($45.79/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for registered nurses?
Tennessee ranks #41 of 51 states, with a median 16% below the national median of $97,550.
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $63,970–$75,460 per year ($30.76–$36.28/hr) in Tennessee.