A complete 2026 breakdown of what Registered Nurses earn in Nashville — base salary, hourly rate, top employers, and tips for negotiating the highest offer. With percentile data and cost-of-living context.
| Experience | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | $54,145 - $70,805 | 26 - 34/hr |
| Mid-level (3-5 years) | $74,970 - $95,794 | 36 - 46/hr |
| Senior (6-10 years) | $95,794 - $120,785 | 46 - 58/hr |
| Lead/Principal (10+ years) | $116,619 - $154,105 | 56 - 74/hr |
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $70,805 |
| San Francisco, CA | $99,960 |
| Chicago, IL | $83,300 |
| Nashville | $83,300 |
| Houston, TX | $70,805 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $83,300 |
Major employers in Nashville hiring Registered Nurses include:
$83,300 in Nashville goes further or less far depending on cost of living. With housing costs of ~$1400/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, your take-home after housing is approximately $66,500/year. See full cost of living in Nashville.
The average Registered Nurse salary in Nashville is $83,300/year ($40.05/hour). The 25th percentile earns $62,475/year, the 75th percentile earns $108,290/year, and the 90th percentile earns $137,445/year.
Registered Nurse is a growing career in Nashville with a stable job market. The median salary is in line with the national average for this role.
Top earners (90th percentile) in Nashville make $137,445/year. These are typically senior Registered Nurses with 10+ years of experience, often in management or specialized roles.
⚠️ Estimate only. Salary data based on 2026 BLS, Glassdoor, and Payscale data. Actual offers depend on experience, employer, and negotiation. Full disclaimer.