Nursing Assistants Salary in Tennessee
In Tennessee, nursing assistants earn $36,750 at the median — $17.67 an hour. The range runs from $30K at the entry level to $45K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $37K get you in Tennessee?
About nursing assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Tennessee
Entry-level nursing assistants (10th percentile) start around $30K. Mid-career wages sit at $37K.Top earners bring in $45K or more - a $14K spread from bottom to top.
Nursing Assistants pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $48K | +22% | 12,800 |
| Washington | $48K | +22% | 28,080 |
| New York | $47K | +20% | 85,310 |
| District of Columbia | $47K | +19% | 2,550 |
| California | $46K | +17% | 102,380 |
| New Hampshire | $46K | +16% | 7,190 |
| Alaska | $46K | +16% | 1,660 |
| Maine | $46K | +15% | 8,590 |
| Minnesota | $46K | +15% | 26,970 |
| Massachusetts | $45K | +15% | 38,280 |
| Nevada | $45K | +14% | 8,670 |
| New Jersey | $45K | +14% | 31,310 |
| Hawaii | $45K | +13% | 4,620 |
| Illinois | $45K | +13% | 64,660 |
| Connecticut | $45K | +13% | 21,390 |
Track nursing assistants salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Tennessee numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do nursing assistants make in Tennessee?
The median is $36,750 a year - that works out to about $17.67 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $30,080, and experienced nursing assistants can clear $44,500. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $37K enough to live in Tennessee?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,631/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,274/month (median of metro areas), which eats 48.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a nursing assistants salary go in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median nursing assistants salary is worth about $36,750 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do nursing assistants get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.