Tennessee ranks 43rd of 51 states and D.C. for registered nurses pay, trailing top-paying California ($140,330) by $61,300 — a 78% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $59,540 to $102,040 — a $42,500 spread, 39% tighter than the national $69,290 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.1% of all registered nurses in the country (67,990 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $59,540 | $28.63 |
| 25th percentile | $67,110 | $32.27 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $79,030 | $38.00 |
| 75th percentile | $88,380 | $42.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,040 | $49.06 |
| Mean (average) | $82,010 | $39.43 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $79,030 | n/a |
| California | $140,330 | +78% |
| Hawaii | $136,320 | +72% |
| Oregon | $123,990 | +57% |
| Washington | $112,180 | +42% |
| Alaska | $110,690 | +40% |
| New York | $105,600 | +34% |
| District of Columbia | $104,550 | +32% |
| New Jersey | $102,730 | +30% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Underwriters | $79,190 | 1,100 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $79,480 | 2,160 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $80,160 | 4,020 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,190 | 970 |
| Financial Risk Specialists | $77,720 | 470 |
| Technical Writers | $76,950 | 650 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurses salary in Tennessee?
The mean registered nurses salary in Tennessee is $82,010 per year. The median (middle) salary is $79,030 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Registered Nurses in Tennessee?
Entry-level registered nursess (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $59,540 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $67,110 per year.
What is the highest Registered Nurses salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $102,040 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $88,380 per year.
How does the Tennessee Registered Nurses salary compare to the national average?
The median registered nurses salary in Tennessee is $79,030, which is -16% below national average of $93,600.