Knoxville vs Murfreesboro: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Knoxville, TN and Murfreesboro, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Murfreesboro, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,264 | $64,310▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.45 | $30.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,589 | $49,661▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,962 | $58,591▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,963 | $78,048▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,177 | $84,418▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,650▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Murfreesboro, TN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Murfreesboro is $3,046 (4.97%). Murfreesboro's median is -5.53% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $27,588,Murfreesboro spans $34,757. Murfreesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Murfreesboro ($70,054 effective) pays 5.85% more than Knoxville ($66,182 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Murfreesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,310/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,418)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,054)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Knoxville grew 46.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.3% growth in Murfreesboro over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$39,620 (2019) → $57,960 (2025)
Murfreesboro, TN
$44,627 (2024) → $60,842 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Knoxville or Murfreesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Murfreesboro?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Murfreesboro as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Knoxville vs Murfreesboro?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov