Gallatin vs Knoxville: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Gallatin, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gallatin, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,087 | $81,341▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.03 | $39.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,610 | $60,100▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,118 | $75,349▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,268▲ | $87,407 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,103▲ | $102,530 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 9,500▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gallatin.
The salary gap between Gallatin and Knoxville is $2,254 (2.85%). Knoxville's median is -20.82% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gallatin spans $55,493,Knoxville spans $42,430. Gallatin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($87,871 effective) pays 2.00% more than Gallatin ($86,151 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gallatin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,103)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,341/year)
- ✓Larger job market (9,500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,871)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Gallatin grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Gallatin, TN
$63,200 (2024) → $75,099 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$58,280 (2019) → $77,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gallatin, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov