Nursing Assistant Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax

Nursing Assistants in Tennessee earn an average of $34,705 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +9.1% lower than the national average.

Average Salary

$34,705

per year

Hourly Rate

$16.69

per hour

vs National

-9.1%

$38,200 national

Salary Range

$23,292

to $48,607

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$34,705

Cost of Living Index

93

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$37,317

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Nursing Assistant's salary of $34,705 has the purchasing power of $37,317 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.

Nursing Assistant Salary by City in Tennessee

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Nashville, TN$36,663$17.63/hr$24,629$51,4701,522
Memphis, TN$32,746$15.74/hr$21,955$45,7431,586

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

Tennessee vs National Average

Nursing Assistant Salary Comparison

Tennessee Average$34,705
National Average$38,200
Difference-$3,495 (-9.1%)

Employment in Tennessee

There are approximately 3,108 Nursing Assistants employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.

Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment

State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)

Nursing Assistant Salary Range in Tennessee

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$23,292

Starting salary for new Nursing Assistants

Median (50th Percentile)

$34,705

Mid-career Nursing Assistant salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$48,607

Top earners in the field

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Nursing Assistant salary in Tennessee?

The average Nursing Assistant salary in Tennessee is $34,705 per year ($16.69/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 9.1% below the national average of $38,200.

What is the highest paying city for Nursing Assistants in Tennessee?

Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Nursing Assistants in Tennessee, with a median salary of $36,663 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $32,746.

What is the salary range for Nursing Assistants in Tennessee?

Nursing Assistant salaries in Tennessee range from $23,292 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $48,607 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $34,705 per year.

About This Data

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Tennessee. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.