Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Tennessee | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $81,500 | $98,331 | -17% |
| Median hourly wage | $39.18 | $47.27 | -17% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $88,683.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $86,070 | $65,000 | $105,000 | 105 |
| Memphis | $75,742 | $57,200 | $92,400 | 85 |
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Tennessee is $81,500, or about $39.18 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Registered Nurses is $98,331. Tennessee is -17% below the national median.
Entry-level registered nurses in Tennessee typically earn from $65,000 depending on the city and employer.
With 72,200 registered nurse jobs on record and a median salary of $81,500, Tennessee offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.