Tennessee ranks 45th of 51 states and D.C. for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($79,700) by $25,170 — a 46% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,680 to $65,140 — a $26,460 spread, 19% tighter than the national $32,550 range.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses are more concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.43 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.43× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,680 | $18.60 |
| 25th percentile | $46,370 | $22.29 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $54,530 | $26.22 |
| 75th percentile | $60,410 | $29.04 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $65,140 | $31.32 |
| Mean (average) | $53,490 | $25.72 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $54,530 | n/a |
| Washington | $79,700 | +46% |
| Rhode Island | $77,940 | +43% |
| Alaska | $77,670 | +42% |
| California | $77,170 | +42% |
| Oregon | $76,570 | +40% |
| Massachusetts | $76,560 | +40% |
| New Hampshire | $74,660 | +37% |
| Arizona | $74,020 | +36% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Computer User Support Specialists | $54,420 | 11,010 |
| Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | $54,370 | 3,040 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $55,270 | 5,890 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $53,680 | 2,040 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $55,510 | 1,300 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $55,610 | 63,130 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary in Tennessee?
The mean licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses salary in Tennessee is $53,490 per year. The median (middle) salary is $54,530 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Tennessee?
Entry-level licensed practical and licensed vocational nursess (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $38,680 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $46,370 per year.
What is the highest Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $65,140 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $60,410 per year.
How does the Tennessee Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary compare to the national average?
The median licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses salary in Tennessee is $54,530, which is -13% below national average of $62,340.