Registered Nurse Salary in Memphis, TN: $71,474 (2026)

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

Memphis offers a median registered nurse salary of $71,474, which is $2,436 below the Tennessee state average of $73,910. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,474 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,109 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Memphis spans from $50,512 at the 10th percentile to $106,304 at the 90th percentile — a $55,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,040, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$51,040

$-6,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$72,160

$-9,840 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$101,200

$-13,800 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$50,512	$52,234	$57,400
25th Percentile	$58,784	$60,788	$66,800
Median (50th)	$71,474	$73,910	$81,220
75th Percentile	$88,968	$92,001	$101,100
90th Percentile	$106,304	$109,928	$120,800

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$50,512

25th Percentile

$58,784

Median (50th)

$71,474

75th Percentile

$88,968

90th Percentile

$106,304

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Memphis

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Memphis 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 Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Memphis

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

The median registered nurse salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $71,474 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $50,512 (10th percentile) to $106,304 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $71,474, a registered nurse in Memphis earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Memphis's median registered nurse salary of $71,474 is 3.3% below the Tennessee state average of $73,910. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

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

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $71,474 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most registered nurse positions in Memphis 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 Memphis, Tennessee