Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Collierville, TN: $45,031 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Collierville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,031 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collierville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,053 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,907) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Collierville, TN, new graduates entering the field as licensed practical nurses can expect a starting annual salary around $45,031, which is noticeably lower than the projected median salary of $59,907 for the area in 2026. This entry-level pay reflects the challenges new LPNs may face in achieving their earning potential, with the possibility to progress to the 25th percentile at $53,690 within a few years. Over a 3 to 5-year period, dedicated individuals can see salary growth as they gain experience and enhance their skills. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, the local market appears promising for new grads looking to solidify their careers in healthcare.
About the Collierville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($49,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collierville
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 Collierville
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Collierville, TN typically start between $45,031 and $53,690 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,678 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,907 — 11.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Tennessee of $10,000 represents just 22.21% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($45,031/year) in Collierville. 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 state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Collierville
- 1Research the Collierville market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $45,031 to $53,690, 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 Collierville, 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 Collierville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collierville's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Collierville is $29,678 ( 65.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,031, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,709.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,601
2025 BLS Actual
$42,603
2026 Current Est.
$45,031
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Collierville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,601 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,466 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,117 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,752 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,603 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,031 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,598 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Collierville, TN grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,601 in 2019 to $42,603 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,598. New graduates entering the Collierville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collierville 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 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Collierville
Collierville offers a range of employment opportunities for newly licensed practical nurses, particularly in skilled nursing facilities that provide comprehensive on-the-job orientation. While home health agencies can be attractive for their flexible scheduling, physician offices often seek candidates with specific clinical experiences. For those looking to increase their earning potential early in their careers, obtaining credentials such as an active LPN license, completing a diploma from an approved program, and passing the NCLEX-PN are crucial. Additional certifications like IV therapy and wound care can also enhance job prospects and starting pay in TN. As LPN roles evolve, many new nurses can consider transitioning to LPN-to-RN bridge programs as they build their foundational skills over the first few years, which can lead to greater responsibility and higher salary potential.
More salary data for Collierville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Collierville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collierville 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 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov