Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Tennessee
Based on 21K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$58,870
$28.30/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
-11.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$41K – $68K
21K employed in Tennessee
Exploring the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Tennessee reveals a median annual income of $58,870. This figure falls 12% below the national average, with Tennessee LPNs earning within a range of $41,110 to $67,540. Currently, there are approximately 20,830 LPNs employed across the state, indicating a substantial presence in the healthcare workforce.
Several factors contribute to the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Tennessee. Experience plays a significant role, with seasoned professionals generally commanding higher earnings than those just starting their careers. Geographic location within Tennessee, the specific healthcare facility, and any specialized certifications or additional responsibilities an LPN holds can also influence their overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,110 |
| 25th percentile | $49,170 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,870 |
| 75th percentile | $62,650 |
| 90th percentile | $67,540 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $46,930 |
| 2023 | $49,780 |
| 2024 | $54,530 |
| 2025 | $58,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,402 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $46,930 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $49,780 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $54,530 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $58,870 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,402 | $70,744 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,170 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $62,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $67,540 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($58,870 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +936.3% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +534.5% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +502.3% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +461.6% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +294.5% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +285.3% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +265.7% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +265.0% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +260.9% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +259.2% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +199.3% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +127.9% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) make in Tennessee?
- The median salary for an LPN in Tennessee is $58,870 per year, which translates to about $28 per hour. The salary range for LPNs in the state falls between $41,110 and $67,540 annually.
What is the average salary for an LPN in Tennessee compared to the national average?
- Licensed Practical Nurses in Tennessee earn, on average, 11.8% less than the national average. This means the median salary of $58,870 per year is below the national median.
What is the salary range for LPNs in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, the salary for Licensed Practical Nurses typically ranges from $41,110 for entry-level positions to $67,540 for more experienced roles. The median annual salary is $58,870.
How many LPN jobs are there in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 20,830 Licensed Practical Nurses employed in Tennessee. This indicates a significant number of job opportunities within the state for this profession.