What the numbers say
About 13,570 registered nurses work in the Memphis metro, making it one of the larger nursing markets in the mid-South. The 2024 median annual wage was $79,250, almost exactly in line with the Tennessee median of $79,030. The gap between the two is less than $300, which is unusually close for a major metro.
Where Memphis stands out is against the national figure. The US median for registered nurses was $94,511 in 2024, putting Memphis roughly 16% below that mark. That gap is large enough to matter for anyone weighing a move or comparing offers across state lines.
The spread within the metro tells a different story. Nurses at the 10th percentile earned $64,720 while those at the 90th earned $108,410. Top earners made about 67% more than those at the bottom of the range. That kind of variation usually reflects differences in specialty, setting (hospitals vs. outpatient clinics vs. home health), and years of experience rather than geography alone. The mean wage of $84,850 runs above the median by about $5,600, which suggests a smaller group of higher-paid nurses in specialized roles pulls the average up.
Memphis has a notable concentration of major medical systems, which supports both the employment volume and the top end of that wage range. Still, the headline number sits well below what nurses in coastal states and some Midwest metros reported in the same survey year.
Salary distribution
Where Memphis registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $78,900 and $95,780, with a median of $81,500.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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How the Memphis metro compares to other major Tennessee metro areas for registered nurses.
- Nashville$84,040
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Memphis, Tennessee?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Memphis metropolitan area is $81,500.
- Does Memphis pay more than the Tennessee state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Memphis metro median is 0.0% versus the Tennessee state median of $81,500.
- How does Memphis compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Memphis metro median is -17.1% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Memphis?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $65,280 and the 90th-percentile at $112,310 for the Memphis metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Memphis CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.