Nashville vs Chattanooga: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Nashville, TN and Chattanooga, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Chattanooga, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,471▲ | $61,919 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.48▲ | $29.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,394▲ | $45,250 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,163▲ | $53,865 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,295▲ | $66,834 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,372▲ | $69,255 |
| Total Employed | 5,650▲ | 1,560 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Nashville and Chattanooga is $3,552 (5.74%). 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 Nashville spans $27,978,Chattanooga spans $24,005. Nashville 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 0.39% more than Chattanooga ($67,698 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 ($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
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Nashville grew 38.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.3% growth in Chattanooga over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$44,770 (2019) → $61,940 (2025)
Chattanooga, TN
$41,740 (2019) → $58,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Nashville or Chattanooga?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Chattanooga?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Chattanooga as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Nashville vs Chattanooga?
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