Registered Nurse Salary in Memphis, TN (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$84,850
in Memphis · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$92,281
adjusted for local cost of living
Registered Nurses in Memphis
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Memphis, TN is $84,850 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $7,071/month or $41/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Memphis pays 13% less than the typical city.
Memphis has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $84,850 in Memphis is equivalent to $92,281 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 Memphis 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 Memphis
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $116,280 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $56,070 |
| Electrician | $57,850 |
| Accountant | $81,700 |
Full cost of living profile for Memphis
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Memphis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Memphis?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Memphis, TN is $84,850 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Memphis Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Memphis Registered Nurse pay ($84,850) is 13% below the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Memphis?
Yes. Memphis has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $84,850 salary in Memphis has the purchasing power of approximately $92,281 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology