Registered Nurse Salary in Nashville, TN: $82,844 (2026)

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

Nashville offers a median registered nurse salary of $82,844, which is $8,934 above the Tennessee state average of $73,910. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Nashville spans from $58,548 at the 10th percentile to $123,216 at the 90th percentile — a $64,668 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,160, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,300. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $59,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$59,160

+$1,160 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$83,640

+$1,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$117,300

+$2,300 vs national

Percentile	Nashville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$58,548	$52,234	$57,400
25th Percentile	$68,136	$60,788	$66,800
Median (50th)	$82,844	$73,910	$81,220
75th Percentile	$103,122	$92,001	$101,100
90th Percentile	$123,216	$109,928	$120,800

Percentile

Nashville

10th Percentile

$58,548

25th Percentile

$68,136

Median (50th)

$82,844

75th Percentile

$103,122

90th Percentile

$123,216

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Nashville

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Nashville

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

The median registered nurse salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $82,844 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $58,548 (10th percentile) to $123,216 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $82,844, a registered nurse in Nashville earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Nashville's median registered nurse salary of $82,844 is 12.1% above the Tennessee state average of $73,910. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

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

Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $82,844 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most registered nurse positions in Nashville 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 Nashville, Tennessee