In Nashville, TN, Registered Nurses earn a median of $78,020 a year — about 17% below the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #47.
What that pay is worth in Nashville
Local prices run 96 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $83,360 salary stretches further than the sticker number — about $86,529 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Nashville?
A typical Nashville home runs about $383,100 — 4.6 times the average Registered Nurse salary, manageable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,486/mo takes roughly 21% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Nashville
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $60,020; the top 10% reach $101,910 — a $41,890 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Nashville
Nashville employs roughly 22,420 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Nashville with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Nashville against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Nashville?
The average Registered Nurse in Nashville, TN earns about $83,360 per year, 11.8% below the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Nashville after taxes?
After federal and TN taxes, this $83,360 salary is worth about $67,473 a year - roughly $5,622 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 19%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Nashville?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Nashville earn about $101,910 a year, versus about $60,020 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Nashville?
A typical Nashville home runs about $383,100 - roughly 4.6x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.