Tennessee RN Salary 2026 (BLS Data + Cost-of-Living Adjustment)
Last reviewed: by Jayson Minagawa, BSN, RN
What RNs earn in Tennessee
The mean Registered Nurse salary in Tennessee is $76,520 per year, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics (BLS OES) state-level data. This figure represents the mean across all RN roles, levels of experience, and shift types — including bedside, charge, specialty, and supervisory positions. RN starting wages typically run 70-80% of the mean (~$57,390) and senior or specialty positions reach 130-150% of the mean (~$107,128).
Cost-of-living adjusted purchasing power
Tennessee's Regional Price Parity (RPP) per the BEA is 91.4 (national average = 100). This means the cost of goods and services in Tennessee is 8.6% lower than the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the Tennessee RN mean of $76,520 is equivalent to $83,720 in national-average purchasing power. This is the number to use when comparing offers across states — a $90,000 offer in Tennessee (91.4 RPP) does not buy the same quality of life as $90,000 in a state with RPP 110.
State income tax burden
Tennessee state income tax: none on wages. No state income tax means a higher take-home percentage at any given gross. Federal tax brackets apply uniformly. FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%) is ~7.65% across all states. The agency-vs-staff calculator and pay calculator on this site account for both federal and state tax.
Top Tennessee metros for RN employment
Nashville, Memphis are the largest RN employment markets in Tennessee. Metro-level wages typically run 5-15% above the state mean in major metros and 5-10% below in rural areas. Magnet-designated hospitals (recognized by ANCC for nursing excellence) pay 8-12% more than non-magnet for the same position.
Shift differential and premium pay
Most Tennessee hospitals offer shift differential for nights ($2-7/hr typically), weekends ($1-3/hr), holidays ($1-3/hr or time-and-a-half), and charge nurse roles ($2-5/hr). Use the Shift Differential Calculator to estimate your full-cycle compensation including these premiums.