The average RN salary in Tennessee is $72,480 per year or $34.85 per hour. Salaries vary by location and experience, with higher wages in urban areas like Nashville and Memphis. Entry-level positions start around $58,000, while experienced RNs can earn over $90,000 annually.
Average RN Salary in Tennessee
Registered nurses in Tennessee earn an average of $72,480 per year, which is lower than the national average. The hourly wage is $34.85. Most RNs in Tennessee fall between $58,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience and employer type.
| Source | Average Annual Salary ($) | Median Salary ($) | Average Hourly Wage ($) | Salary Range ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incredible Health | 66,680 | 62,390 | 32.06 | 48,190 – 81,950 | RNs in Tennessee earn 19% less than national average |
| Trusted Health | 62,390 | 62,390 | 32.49 | N/A | Tennessee is a lower paying state for RNs |
| Vivian Health | N/A | N/A | 29.31 | N/A | Average hourly wage 28% lower than US average |
| Salary.com | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | New Graduate RN salary range: $54,347 to $82,190 |
| NurseJournal.org | 66,680 | 62,390 | 32.06 | 59,470 – 77,290 | Cost of living adjusted salary $71,881 |
| Incredible Health Nashville | 70,900 | 63,600 | 34.09 | N/A | Nashville average salary higher than state average |
| CareerExplorer | 62,390 | 62,390 | N/A | 48,190 – 81,950 | Salary typically starts from $48,190 and goes up to $81,950 |
| ZipRecruiter | 79,750 | N/A | 38.34 | N/A | ZipRecruiter reports average hourly pay $38.34 |
RN Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level registered nurses in Tennessee earn around $58,000 annually. With five or more years of experience, salaries can exceed $90,000. New graduates typically earn between $54,347 and $82,190 depending on employer and location.
RN Salary by City in Tennessee
Nashville offers the highest RN salaries in the state, with an average of $70,900. Other major cities include:
- Memphis: $68,510
- Chattanooga: $65,590
- Clarksville: $65,190
- Johnson City: $65,090
- Franklin and surrounding areas also see higher wages due to proximity to healthcare hubs.
Urban areas tend to pay more because of higher demand and cost of living.
RN Salary by Work Setting
Hospitals in Tennessee offer higher salaries than clinics or long-term care facilities. Hospital RNs in cities like Nashville or Memphis often receive more benefits and overtime options. Nurses in outpatient centers and school systems usually earn less per hour.
RN Salary vs Cost of Living
While Tennessee RNs earn less than the national average, the lower cost of living increases real earnings. Adjusted for cost, the average RN salary is effectively $71,881. This boosts purchasing power, especially in cities like Franklin or Chattanooga where housing is more affordable.
Tennessee RN Pay vs National Averages
Tennessee RNs earn about 19% less than the national average. However, when adjusted for cost of living, the gap narrows. Compared to similar professions in Tennessee, RNs earn:
- More than pharmacy technicians ($34,850)
- Less than nurse practitioners ($99,370) and CRNAs ($176,020)
Job Outlook and Growth in Tennessee
Registered nurse jobs in Tennessee continue to grow due to an aging population and ongoing demand for healthcare workers. The state’s healthcare industry projects steady growth through 2030. Metro cities like Nashville and Memphis lead in job openings and salary potential.
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
How does the cost-of-living adjustment affect RN salaries in Tennessee compared to other states?
Adjusted for cost of living, the average RN salary is $71,881, narrowing the gap with high-cost states.
What is the typical starting salary for new graduate RNs in Tennessee?
New grads typically earn between $54,347 and $82,190.
Which Tennessee metro areas offer the highest RN salaries?
Nashville ($70,900) and Memphis ($68,510) offer the top salaries.
How do RN salaries in Tennessee compare to other healthcare roles in the state?
RNs earn more than LPNs but less than NPs, midwives, and anesthetists.
Final Note
Registered nurses in Tennessee earn less than the national average, but lower living costs and steady job growth make the state a competitive choice especially in cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Franklin.
