Entry-Level Registered Nurse Salary in Brentwood, TN: $60,139 (2026)
Quick Answer:New registered nurses entering the Brentwood, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,139 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brentwood's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,511 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,676) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the registered nursing field in Brentwood, Tennessee, can expect an entry-level registered nurse salary ranging from $60,139 at the 10th percentile up to approximately $65,518 at the 25th percentile. This means that new RNs may begin their careers at a salary below the city median of $78,676, which reflects the growing demand for nurses amid a competitive market. Over the first few years, there is potential for growth as nurses advance their skills and experience, moving towards the median and even higher earnings as they gain valuable insight into their roles. Brentwood, with its array of healthcare facilities, presents a solid starting point for new graduates seeking to establish their careers in nursing.
Recruitment in the Brentwood area typically focuses on large hospital systems that offer structured new-grad nurse residency programs, complete with essential rotations to enhance foundational skills. Local community hospitals may provide more expedited cross-training opportunities. For those new to the profession, obtaining an active RN license, alongside an ASN or BSN, is crucial, though optional MSN degrees and various specialty certifications from organizations like ANCC or AACN can also bolster starting pay in Tennessee. During the first few years, entering nurses should prioritize gaining experience, with career trajectories influenced by factors such as specialty certifications and the growing trend of travel nursing, which has sustained heightened demand post-COVID. Overall, entry-level nurses in this market can anticipate steady salary advancements, especially if they pursue differential pay opportunities for working nights or weekends, further enhancing their overall earning potential.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($71,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brentwood
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood
Entry-level registered nurses in Brentwood, TN typically start between $60,139 and $65,518 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,598 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,676 — 23.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Tennessee of $48,000 represents just 79.82% of the starting registered nurse pay ($60,139/year) in Brentwood. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEN- and CCNE-accredited nursing programs and state board of nursing data. Tuition varies significantly between community college ADN, public university BSN, and private university BSN pathways.
RN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brentwood
- 1Research the Brentwood market: entry-level registered nurse pay ranges from $60,139 to $65,518, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brentwood, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Brentwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brentwood's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Registered Nurse Compensation Range
The registered nurse wage spread in Brentwood is $48,598 ( 80.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,139, experienced hygienists can earn up to $108,737.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,141
2025 BLS Actual
$57,107
2026 Current Est.
$60,139
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,141 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,243 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,246 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,737 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,783 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,976 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,107 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,139 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,333 | Projected |
Entry-level registered nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Brentwood, TN grew 32.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,141 in 2019 to $57,107 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,333. New graduates entering the Brentwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for registered nurses in Brentwood in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Brentwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brentwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov