Nashville vs Memphis: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Nashville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,503▲ | $85,828 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.55▲ | $41.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,169▲ | $68,746 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,965▲ | $83,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,049▲ | $100,866 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,979 | $118,274▲ |
| Total Employed | 25,100▲ | 13,760 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Nashville and Memphis is $2,675 (3.12%). Nashville's median is -13.85% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $44,810,Memphis spans $49,528. Memphis 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, Memphis ($93,110 effective) pays 1.35% more than Nashville ($91,867 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,503/year)
- ✓Larger job market (25,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,274)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,110)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Nashville grew 31.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$64,050 (2019) → $84,040 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$65,790 (2019) → $81,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Nashville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Memphis as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Nashville vs Memphis?
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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