📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee · 12.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$49,157
per year
Median
$47,714
per year
Hourly
$23.63
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$35,154
25th Percentile — Junior$41,657
50th Percentile — Median$47,714
75th Percentile — Senior$56,289
90th Percentile — Top Earners$60,760
💡 Top-earning Licensed Practical Nurses in Tennessee make up to $60,760 per year. The job market in Tennessee is rated strong, with key industries including Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$41.4k
2021
$42.8k
2022
$44.3k
2023
$45.9k
2024
$47.5k
2025
$49.2k
2026
📈 Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Tennessee have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Tennessee's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City in Tennessee
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Nashville $46,699 -5.0% High
Memphis $41,292 -16.0% High
🔍
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Tennessee
Key factors affecting compensation

Tennessee is home to a strong job market for Licensed Practical Nurses. The state's key industries — Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $49,157 per year, Tennessee's Licensed Practical Nurse salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Tennessee (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Tennessee can expect to earn $35,154–$41,657, while experienced Licensed Practical Nurses can command $56,289–$60,760.

Looking ahead, the Licensed Practical Nurse profession in Tennessee is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Healthcare continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Tennessee is $49,157 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $55,860.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Licensed Practical Nurses the highest wages in Tennessee due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Tennessee has a strong job market with major industries in Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism. This makes it one of the better states for Licensed Practical Nurse employment.
  • At $49,157/year, Tennessee Licensed Practical Nurse salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $55,860/year.