Registered Nurse Salary in Knoxville, TN: $73,098 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median registered nurse salary of $73,098, which is $812 below the Tennessee state average of $73,910. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $73,098 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,066 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Knoxville spans from $51,660 at the 10th percentile to $108,720 at the 90th percentile — a $57,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,200, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,500. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $52,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,200

$-5,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$73,800

$-8,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$103,500

$-11,500 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$51,660	$52,234	$57,400
25th Percentile	$60,120	$60,788	$66,800
Median (50th)	$73,098	$73,910	$81,220
75th Percentile	$90,990	$92,001	$101,100
90th Percentile	$108,720	$109,928	$120,800

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$51,660

25th Percentile

$60,120

Median (50th)

$73,098

75th Percentile

$90,990

90th Percentile

$108,720

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Knoxville

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $73,098 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $51,660 (10th percentile) to $108,720 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $73,098, a registered nurse in Knoxville earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Knoxville's median registered nurse salary of $73,098 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $73,910. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼

Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $73,098 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Knoxville? ▼

Most registered nurse positions in Knoxville require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Registered Nurse Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee