Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Memphis, TN: $43,474 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Memphis, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,474 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Memphis's local price level (BEA RPP 92.2 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,163 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,511) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, TN, new graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field can anticipate a starting salary around $43,474, which reflects the city's entry-level pay landscape. This figure is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $62,511 for LPNs in the region, indicating that there is room for growth as early-career nurses gain experience. Over the first few years in the field, many entry-level LPNs can expect to climb toward the 25th percentile wage of $52,987, realizing a growth trajectory as they refine their skills and build their professional networks. Given this outlook and the projected annual growth rate of 5.70% in the sector, Memphis appears to be a strong market for new nursing graduates in 2026, especially considering the relatively lower cost of living compared to many other cities.
Career Earnings Timeline in Memphis
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 Memphis
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Memphis, TN typically start between $43,474 and $52,987 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,835 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,511 — 8.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Tennessee of $10,000 represents just 23.00% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($43,474/year) in Memphis. 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 Memphis
- 1Research the Memphis market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $43,474 to $52,987, 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 Memphis, 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 Memphis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Memphis'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 Memphis is $28,835 ( 66.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,474, experienced hygienists can earn up to $72,309.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,180
2025 BLS Actual
$41,130
2026 Current Est.
$43,474
2019–2027 Growth
+34.4%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,280 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,474 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,952 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Memphis, TN grew 20.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,180 in 2019 to $41,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,952. New graduates entering the Memphis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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 Memphis
Employment opportunities for recent LPN graduates in Memphis often arise in skilled nursing facilities, which typically hire new nurses and provide valuable on-the-job orientation. Home health agencies are another popular option, offering flexibility that can be appealing to new grads. While some physician offices may require specific clinic experience, the demand for entry-level nurses is consistent across various healthcare settings. To enhance their starting pay, new licensed practical nurses in TN should hold an active state board licensure, complete a 12-18 month practical nursing program, and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Obtaining additional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can further boost salary potential. As LPNs navigate their first few years, many find that pursuing an LPN-to-RN bridge program becomes an attractive career strategy, particularly as long-term care settings represent a significant portion of LPN employment nationally amid evolving staffing models in hospitals.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Memphis in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Memphis?
Is nursing school worth it in Memphis?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Memphis?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Tennessee?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Memphis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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