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Nursing jobs in Tennessee 2026

Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.

RN Shortage
9,200
High 10.2%
Median Annual Salary
$85,390
$41.05/hr
COL-Adjusted
$77,752
COL index: 93
Compact State?
Yes
NLC multistate eligible

Key insight

In Tennessee, there is a shortage of 9,200 registered nurses as of 2026 — 10.2% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $85,390 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $77,752 in national terms. This is a HIGH-priority EB-3 sponsorship state — international nurses are actively recruited here.

Top hiring cities

  • • Nashville
  • • Memphis
  • • Knoxville

State nursing board

Tennessee Board of Nursing
Endorsement fee: $115 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal