2026 Salary — Tennessee
Updated April 29, 2026
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Tennessee: $122K Median
Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee earn between $90K and $166K per year.
That's -5% below the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Nurse Practitioner salary in Tennessee is $122,066 per year — -5% below the US national median of $128,490. Salaries range from $90,250 (entry, 25th percentile) to $166,250 (90th percentile). Tennessee's cost-of-living index is 92. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Median
$122,066
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$95,000
Experienced
$147,250
Top 10%
$166,250
About Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee
NPs are advanced practice registered nurses who diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and provide primary or specialty care.
Hot 2026 Skills
Telehealth NPMental health (PMHNP)Pediatric NPGeriatric NPFull practice authority states
ATS Keywords
NP certificationpatient careEHR (Epic)primary carepediatricmental healthtelehealth
How to Negotiate Your Nurse Practitioner Salary in Tennessee
Walk-away anchor: $110,969.
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Nurse Practitioner Salary FAQ — Tennessee
What is the average Nurse Practitioner salary in Tennessee?
The average Nurse Practitioner salary in Tennessee is $122,066 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $90,250 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $166,250 (90th percentile). Tennessee has no state income tax — increasing take-home meaningfully.
How does Nurse Practitioner pay in Tennessee compare to the US average?
Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee earn approximately 5% less than the US national median ($128,490 nationally vs $122,066 in Tennessee). Tennessee's cost-of-living index of 92 amplifies the real purchasing power.
Did Nurse Practitioner salaries in Tennessee increase in 2026?
Yes — Nurse Practitioner salaries in Tennessee grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $18,495 in 2025 to $122,066 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth NP and Mental health (PMHNP) demand.
Which Tennessee cities pay Nurse Practitioners the most?
Top-paying Tennessee metros for Nurse Practitioners: Nashville ($128K), Memphis ($113K). Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay.
What's the job outlook for Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee?
NP roles growing 38% through 2034 — among fastest-growing US occupations. Full practice authority in 27 states drives demand. Tennessee's top industries include Healthcare, Manufacturing (Auto, EV), Logistics (FedEx), and the state's unemployment rate is 3.6% — a tight labor market favoring candidates.
Does Tennessee have state income tax?
No, Tennessee has no state income tax. This significantly boosts take-home pay vs comparable salaries in tax states like California or New York. At $122,066, you keep all of it (after federal + FICA).
What skills are most in demand for Nurse Practitioners in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth NP, Mental health (PMHNP), Pediatric NP, Geriatric NP, Full practice authority states. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with Tennessee employers.
How can I increase my Nurse Practitioner salary in Tennessee?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for Tennessee: $110,969.
Methodology
Tennessee Nurse Practitioner salary is the BLS national median ($128,490) adjusted by Tennessee's state multiplier (0.95×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Other States
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