Memphis vs Nashville: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Memphis, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,511 | $65,471▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.05 | $31.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,474 | $49,394▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,987 | $57,163▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,067 | $71,295▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,309 | $77,372▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,980 | 5,650▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Memphis and Nashville is $2,960 (4.74%). Nashville's median is -3.82% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $28,835,Nashville spans $27,978. Memphis 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, Nashville ($67,960 effective) pays 0.21% more than Memphis ($67,815 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,471/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,372)
- ✓Larger job market (5,650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,960)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Memphis grew 31.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.4% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$44,880 (2019) → $59,140 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$44,770 (2019) → $61,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Memphis or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Nashville as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Memphis vs Nashville?
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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