Tennessee ranks 42nd of 51 states and D.C. for nursing assistants pay, trailing top-paying Oregon ($48,390) by $11,640 — a 32% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $30,080 to $44,500 — a $14,420 spread, 23% tighter than the national $18,750 range.
Nursing Assistants are less concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.78 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.28× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $30,080 | $14.46 |
| 25th percentile | $33,630 | $16.17 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $36,750 | $17.67 |
| 75th percentile | $39,160 | $18.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,500 | $21.40 |
| Mean (average) | $37,040 | $17.81 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $36,750 | n/a |
| Oregon | $48,390 | +32% |
| Washington | $48,260 | +31% |
| New York | $47,390 | +29% |
| District of Columbia | $46,860 | +28% |
| California | $46,420 | +26% |
| New Hampshire | $46,050 | +25% |
| Alaska | $45,840 | +25% |
| Maine | $45,640 | +24% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Couriers and Messengers | $36,690 | 2,080 |
| Self-Enrichment Teachers | $36,650 | 3,200 |
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other | $36,870 | 2,030 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $36,940 | 2,270 |
| Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other | $36,970 | 4,310 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $36,980 | 1,580 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Nursing Assistants salary in Tennessee?
The mean nursing assistants salary in Tennessee is $37,040 per year. The median (middle) salary is $36,750 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Nursing Assistants in Tennessee?
Entry-level nursing assistantss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $30,080 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $33,630 per year.
What is the highest Nursing Assistants salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $44,500 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $39,160 per year.
How does the Tennessee Nursing Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median nursing assistants salary in Tennessee is $36,750, which is -7% below national average of $39,530.