Healthcare Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Tennessee

The median nurse practitioner salary in Tennessee is $110,665 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $121,610.

Median Salary
$110,665
vs National
$-10,945
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Nurse Practitioner Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for nurse practitioner compensation. Nurse Practitioner salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $110,665 per year, nurse practitioners in Tennessee earn $10,945 less than the national median of $121,610.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $110,665 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $124,343 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: nurse practitioners at the 10th percentile earn $79,261, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $153,062 — a $73,801 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $124,042.

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Tennessee and beyond.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level nurse practitioner earns around $81,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,050 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,900
$-8,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,020
$-10,980 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$141,050
$-13,950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $79,261
25th Percentile $94,822
Median (50th) $110,665
75th Percentile $130,585
90th Percentile $153,062

Nurse Practitioner Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for nurse practitioners in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee

Education

Most nurse practitioner positions require a master's degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Advanced AssessmentPharmacologyDiagnosisPatient EducationEMR SystemsClinical Decision-Making

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nurse Practitioner Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in Tennessee? ▼
The median nurse practitioner salary in Tennessee is $110,665 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $121,610. Salaries range from $79,261 (10th percentile) to $153,062 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,665, a nurse practitioner in Tennessee earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for nurse practitioners? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for nurse practitioner pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level nurse practitioners earn $81,900, while senior professionals earn $141,050.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for nurse practitioner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nurse practitioners is Hawaii at $216,466. Tennessee's median of $110,665 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($110,665) and New Mexico ($110,665).
What is the entry-level nurse practitioner salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level nurse practitioner in Tennessee earns approximately $81,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $111,020. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $141,050.
What city in Tennessee pays nurse practitioners the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for nurse practitioners, with a median salary of $124,042. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.