Registered Nurse Salary in Tennessee
Based on 72K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$81,500
$39.18/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
-13.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $105K
72K employed in Tennessee
The median Registered Nurse salary in Tennessee is $81,500 annually, with a typical range of $63,970 to $104,920. This figure places Tennessee's nursing compensation approximately 13% below the national average, though the state still employs a substantial 72,200 registered nurses.
Several factors can influence the Registered Nurse salary in Tennessee. These often include the specific healthcare facility, years of experience, specialized certifications, and the geographical location within the state. Demand for nurses in different regions and settings also plays a significant role in salary negotiations.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,970 |
| 25th percentile | $75,460 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,500 |
| 75th percentile | $95,250 |
| 90th percentile | $104,920 |
Top H-1B Employers for Registered Nurse in Tennessee
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Tennessee — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare | 7 | $74,734 |
| 2 | Avant Healthcare Professionals, LLC. | 6 | $73,403 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Registered Nurse H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Tennessee
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Tennessee.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $74,734 | 9 |
| Level III | Experienced | $73,403 | 6 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,800 |
| 2023 | $76,200 |
| 2024 | $79,030 |
| 2025 | $81,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,047 |
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 | $65,800 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $76,200 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $79,030 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $81,500 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,047 | $97,039 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $75,460 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $95,250 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $104,920 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Registered Nurse ($81,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +648.6% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +358.3% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +335.1% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +305.7% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +184.9% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +178.3% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +164.2% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +163.7% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +160.7% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +159.4% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +116.2% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +64.6% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Tennessee?
- The median salary for Registered Nurses in Tennessee is $81,500 per year, which is equivalent to $39 per hour. Most RNs in the state earn between $63,970 and $104,920 annually.
What is the average salary for an RN in Tennessee compared to the national average?
- Registered Nurses in Tennessee earn a median salary of $81,500 per year, which is 13.4% lower than the national average. This means the typical RN in Tennessee makes less than their counterparts in other states.
What is the salary range for a Registered Nurse in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, the salary range for Registered Nurses typically falls between $63,970 and $104,920 per year. The median income for an RN in the state is $81,500 annually.
How many Registered Nurses are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 72,200 Registered Nurses employed in Tennessee. The median salary for these professionals is $81,500 per year.