Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Franklin, TN: $51,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Franklin, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,535 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,138 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,682) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of practical nursing in Franklin, Tennessee, the projected starting licensed practical nurse salary is set at around $51,535 in 2026. This initial pay puts them approximately $13,147 below the city’s median annual salary of $64,682. However, there is an optimistic growth trajectory for early-career nurses, as many can expect to advance in salary to about $59,957 within the first few years of employment, signaling a healthy increase as they gain experience. The job market in Franklin appears to be quite favorable for new LPNs, especially considering the anticipated annual growth rate of 5.70% in this profession, a statistic that suggests a demand for qualified professionals in the region.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($49,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Franklin, TN typically start between $51,535 and $59,957 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,276 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,682 — 4.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Tennessee of $10,000 represents just 19.40% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($51,535/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $51,535 to $59,957, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin'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 Franklin is $32,276 ( 62.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,535, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,811.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,876
2025 BLS Actual
$48,756
2026 Current Est.
$51,535
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,876 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,866 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,415 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,767 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,756 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,473 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, TN grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,876 in 2019 to $48,756 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,473. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
In Franklin, several key employers regularly seek fresh talent among new grad licensed practical nurses. Skilled nursing facilities offer the bulk of initial job opportunities, often providing structured on-the-job orientation for new hires. Home health agencies appeal to those looking for flexible scheduling, while physician offices generally prefer candidates who have specific clinic experience. To maximize starting pay in TN, focus on obtaining essential credentials like an active LPN/LVN license from the state board, completing an accredited 12-18 month practical nursing program, passing the NCLEX-PN, and considering optional certifications in IV therapy and wound care. Within the first few years, it is common for LPNs to start planning for an LPN-to-RN bridge program, particularly in light of the evolving healthcare environment that increasingly favors RNs. Realistically, new nurses can expect their annual salary to grow steadily as they establish their skill set and can eventually reach or surpass the local median with dedication and experience.
More salary data for Franklin, 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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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