Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Tennessee
Based on 27K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$37,990
$18.26/hr
vs National Average
$41,812
-9.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $45K
27K employed in Tennessee
The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tennessee is $37,990, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is 9.1% lower than the national average, with a typical salary range falling between $31,110 and $44,660 per year.
Several factors can influence a CNA's earning potential in Tennessee. These include years of experience, the specific healthcare facility or setting (such as hospitals versus nursing homes), geographic location within the state, and any additional certifications or specializations a CNA may hold. The total number of employed CNAs in Tennessee is reported at 27,040.
Salary Distribution — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,110 |
| 25th percentile | $35,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,990 |
| 75th percentile | $40,880 |
| 90th percentile | $44,660 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nursing Assistant (CNA) (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nursing Assistant (CNA)s the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,710 | 40 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $47,810 | 49K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $47,050 | 47K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $46,920 | 430 |
| Wholesale Trade | $46,540 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,130 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,990 | $41,812 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,130 | $43,066 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $40,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $44,660 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Other States
Related Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Nursing Assistant (CNA) ($37,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +1505.9% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +883.2% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +833.4% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +770.3% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +511.3% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +497.1% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +466.7% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +465.6% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +459.3% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +456.6% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +363.8% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +253.2% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tennessee?
- The median annual salary for a CNA in Tennessee is $37,990. This means half of CNAs earn more and half earn less than this amount.
What is the hourly pay for a CNA in Tennessee?
- On average, CNAs in Tennessee earn around $18 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the median annual salary of $37,990.
What is the salary range for CNAs in Tennessee?
- The salary range for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Tennessee typically falls between $31,110 and $44,660 annually. This indicates that entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end, while experienced CNAs can earn towards the higher end.
How does the CNA salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- The Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Tennessee is approximately 9.1% lower than the national average. The median Tennessee salary of $37,990 is below the national median.