Skip to content
AffordMap
Healthcare · Tennessee

How to Become a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Tennessee

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Tennessee earn a median salary of $54,530/year, which is 13% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses takes home approximately $2,409/month. Most positions require Postsecondary nondegree award.

$55K
Median salary in Tennessee
-13%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
19,140
Employed in Tennessee

What a licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$54,530
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$3,821/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home37% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$54,530/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,409/mo

Becoming a licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses positions in Tennessee typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for licensed practical and licensed vocational nursess. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 19,140 licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Chattanooga.

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary by metro area in Tennessee

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$60K$28.99/hr4,820
Chattanooga$58K$27.66/hr1,460
Clarksville$57K$27.55/hr690
Memphis$55K$26.45/hr2,860
Cleveland$52K$25.22/hr280
Knoxville$51K$24.54/hr2,330
Johnson City$50K$24.02/hr830
Morristown$49K$23.76/hr290
Kingsport-Bristol$49K$23.72/hr820
Jackson$49K$23.57/hr910

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary range in Tennessee

10th percentile (entry)
$39K
25th percentile
$46K
Median (50th)
$55K
75th percentile
$60K
90th percentile (senior)
$65K
View jobs for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Currently hiring in Tennessee
View →
More openings for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Currently hiring in Tennessee
View →
Advance your nursing career
Online BSN and MSN programs — 45% off select certificates
View →
Full licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses salary breakdown in Tennessee
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Tennessee
No state income tax!
Calculate →
Compare Tennessee cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses make in Tennessee?

The median licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses salary in Tennessee is $54,530 per year ($26.22/hr). This is 13% below the national median of $62,340. Salaries range from $38,680 to $65,140.

What are the requirements to become a licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in Tennessee?

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses positions in Tennessee typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $54,530, a licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in Tennessee would take home approximately $3,821/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 37% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($60,290), Chattanooga ($57,540), Clarksville ($57,300). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Tennessee have state income tax for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses?

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.