Murfreesboro vs Nashville: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Murfreesboro, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Murfreesboro, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,310 | $65,471▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.92 | $31.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,661▲ | $49,394 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,591▲ | $57,163 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,048▲ | $71,295 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,418▲ | $77,372 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 5,650▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Murfreesboro.
The salary gap between Murfreesboro and Nashville is $1,161 (1.81%). 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 Murfreesboro spans $34,757,Nashville spans $27,978. Murfreesboro 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, Murfreesboro ($70,054 effective) pays 3.08% more than Nashville ($67,960 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Murfreesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,418)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,054)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,471/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Murfreesboro grew 36.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.4% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Murfreesboro, TN
$44,627 (2024) → $60,842 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$44,770 (2019) → $61,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Murfreesboro, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Murfreesboro or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Murfreesboro and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Murfreesboro to Nashville as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Murfreesboro 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