Registered Nurse Salary in Knoxville, TN (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$81,910
in Knoxville · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$83,810
adjusted for local cost of living
Registered Nurses in Knoxville
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Knoxville, TN is $81,910 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $6,826/month or $39/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Knoxville pays 16% less than the typical city.
Knoxville has a cost of living index of 97.7 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $81,910 in Knoxville is equivalent to $83,810 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Knoxville metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Knoxville
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $119,990 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,920 |
| Electrician | $52,830 |
| Accountant | $79,890 |
Full cost of living profile for Knoxville
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Knoxville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Knoxville?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Knoxville, TN is $81,910 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Knoxville Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Knoxville Registered Nurse pay ($81,910) is 16% below the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Knoxville?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 97.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $81,910 salary in Knoxville has the purchasing power of approximately $83,810 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology