Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Tennessee: $40,880 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Tennessee's 30 metropolitan areas, the average median certified nursing assistant pay sits at $40,880/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-1131. Because Tennessee sits at BEA RPP 91.8 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $44,532 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Nashville ($39,510), Franklin ($39,034), Murfreesboro ($38,810).
In Tennessee, the projected average median salary for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in 2026 is $40,880, which is about 9.2% lower than the national median of $45,007. Within the state, there is a noticeable wage disparity among different cities; the highest-paying area is Nashville at $42,078, while Tullahoma offers the lowest salary at $36,983. This $5,095 difference can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and local funding for health facilities. Tennessee has specific licensing requirements for CNAs, including the completion of state-approved training programs and passing a competency exam. The scope of practice laws in Tennessee may also influence salary levels, as they outline the duties CNAs can perform, impacting job responsibilities and opportunities for advancement. With a projected growth rate of 6.50%, the job market for CNAs in Tennessee is expected to expand, driven by an aging population and increased healthcare needs. As of now, there are approximately 24,112 certified nursing assistants employed across the state, with top cities for employment including Franklin at $41,571, Murfreesboro at $41,333, Chattanooga at $41,311, and Memphis at $40,481. Overall, the CNA career outlook in Tennessee reflects a steady demand for healthcare support roles.
Tennessee Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Tennessee: $30,658 (lowest entry-level) to $53,112 (highest top earner)
Tennessee vs National Average
Tennessee certified nursing assistants earn 9.17% less than the national median ($-4,127/year difference).
Tennessee Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in Tennessee range from $33,986 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $48,516 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $40,880. The Tennessee median is $4,127 below the US national median of $45,007. The average hourly rate is $19.65/hr. Approximately 24,112 certified nursing assistants are employed across 30 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,085
2025 BLS Actual
$38,385
2026 Current Est.
$40,880
2019–2027 Growth
+60.7%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tennessee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,085 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,072 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,821 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,617 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,203 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,385 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,880 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,537 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tennessee metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 41.7% from $27,085 (2019) to $38,385 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,537 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,452 (60.74%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tennessee metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Tennessee
Lowest Paying Cities in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Tullahoma | $36,983 |
| Sevierville | $37,790 |
| Maryville | $38,009 |
| Cookeville | $38,033 |
| La Vergne | $38,229 |
Best Value Cities for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tennessee
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Tennessee cities offer the most purchasing power for certified nursing assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morristown | $40,065 | 86.364 | $46,391 |
| Kingsport | $39,991 | 86.447 | $46,261 |
| Jackson | $39,299 | 85.522 | $45,952 |
| Franklin | $41,571 | 91.8 | $45,284 |
| Johnson City | $39,735 | 87.928 | $45,190 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $33,986 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $40,880 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $48,516 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Tennessee metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 30 Cities in Tennessee
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nashville | $42,078 |
| 2 | Franklin | $41,571 |
| 3 | Murfreesboro | $41,333 |
| 4 | Chattanooga | $41,311 |
| 5 | Memphis | $40,481 |
| 6 | Knoxville | $40,470 |
| 7 | Smyrna | $40,460 |
| 8 | Bartlett | $40,257 |
| 9 | Collierville | $40,117 |
| 10 | Morristown | $40,065 |
| 11 | Kingsport | $39,991 |
| 12 | Spring Hill | $39,810 |
| 13 | Clarksville | $39,746 |
| 14 | Johnson City | $39,735 |
| 15 | Cleveland | $39,543 |
| 16 | Jackson | $39,299 |
| 17 | Lebanon | $39,276 |
| 18 | Oak Ridge | $39,273 |
| 19 | Columbia | $39,009 |
| 20 | Germantown | $38,959 |
| 21 | Hendersonville | $38,881 |
| 22 | Gallatin | $38,813 |
| 23 | Brentwood | $38,612 |
| 24 | Shelbyville | $38,311 |
| 25 | Mount Juliet | $38,310 |
| 26 | La Vergne | $38,229 |
| 27 | Cookeville | $38,033 |
| 28 | Maryville | $38,009 |
| 29 | Sevierville | $37,790 |
| 30 | Tullahoma | $36,983 |
More Tennessee Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Tennessee cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new certified nursing assistants.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants.
Explore More Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Tennessee in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for certified nursing assistants in Tennessee?
How does Tennessee certified nursing assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Tennessee?
How many certified nursing assistants are employed in Tennessee?
Which Tennessee city offers the best value for certified nursing assistants?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 certified nursing assistant compensation across Tennessee. State averages are employment-weighted across 30 metro areas — larger metro areas with more certified nursing assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov