Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $58,646 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Oak Ridge, TN earns a median $58,646/year (≈ $28.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Oak Ridge's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $63,885 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the licensed practical nurse salary stands at a median of $58,646 in 2026, reflecting a unique local healthcare market influenced by the structure of nursing settings. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in this area have earning potential that ranges from $45,361 at the lowest end to $76,531 for those at the top. These figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities, indicating a localized compensation scenario that lags behind the national median of $68,071 by approximately 13.85%. The pay dynamics in Oak Ridge highlight the implications of working in skilled nursing facilities versus home health or clinic settings, with each environment contributing to the overall earning landscape.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($49,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,361 | $21.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,303 | $25.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,646 | $28.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,965 | $32.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,531 | $36.79 |
Median Salary Position
13.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, TN, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,170 (2026 est.). At $58,646, the local median is 13.85% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Ridge Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Oak Ridge median: $58,646/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $59,781 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -13.85% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $58,646 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.85% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $59,781.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Ridge has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oak Ridge, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $58,646 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,885 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,906
2025 BLS Actual
$55,483
2026 Current Est.
$58,646
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,906 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,414 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,133 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,483 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,646 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,988 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Ridge metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $40,906 (2019) to $55,483 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,988 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,082 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,361 – $53,303 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,303 – $58,646 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,646 – $67,965 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,965 – $76,531 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Oak Ridge
Currently, only six licensed practical nurses are employed in Oak Ridge, TN, indicating limited opportunities and a competitive job market. The local cost of living index sits at 91.8, which suggests that LPNs may find more favorable purchasing power here compared to other regions. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher pay rates compared to home health agencies or physician offices, primarily due to the demanding nature of long-term care settings. Various factors contribute to the pay disparity, including shift differentials and stipends for specialized skills like IV therapy. To maximize earnings in this local market, LPNs should consider pursuing certifications that enhance their skill sets—such as IV therapy and MDS training linked to long-term care workflows—as well as being open to shifts that may carry premiums for weekends and holidays. By understanding these variances, licensed practical nurses can better position themselves for competitive pay in Oak Ridge.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $55,483 for licensed practical nursesin the Oak Ridge metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oak Ridge 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