Knoxville vs Shelbyville: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Knoxville, TN and Shelbyville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Shelbyville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,341▲ | $78,064 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.10▲ | $37.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,100▲ | $58,090 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,349▲ | $65,264 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,407 | $87,485▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,530 | $103,380▲ |
| Total Employed | 9,500▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelbyville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Shelbyville is $3,277 (4.20%). 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 Knoxville spans $42,430,Shelbyville spans $45,290. Shelbyville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($87,871 effective) pays 3.33% more than Shelbyville ($85,037 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Shelbyville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,380)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Knoxville grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.8% growth in Shelbyville over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$58,280 (2019) → $77,240 (2025)
Shelbyville, TN
$62,382 (2024) → $74,128 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Shelbyville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Knoxville or Shelbyville?
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Should I relocate from Knoxville to Shelbyville as a registered nurse?
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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