While Tennessee isn't necessarily known for its size, its 41,000 square miles of land packs quite a unique blend of natural charm and urban adventure. Not only does Tennessee have over 50 beautiful state parks, but it's also home to the country music capital of the U.S.
Ranked the second fastest-growing state by GDP, Tennessee has more than just a music scene that's booming. It's a great time to pursue nursing jobs in Tennessee, and IntelyCare can help find the right role for you. We've got a mix of full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, per diem, and travel nurse jobs in Tennessee to explore. Find out what else the state has to offer.
Quick Facts About Tennessee Nursing Jobs
- Does Tennessee belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact? Yes.
- How much do nurses make in Tennessee? The average annual salary for nursing jobs in Tennessee depends on your license/certification:
- NP salary in Tennessee: $103,720
- RN salary in Tennessee: $78,240
- LPN salary in Tennessee: $50,430
- CNA salary in Tennessee: $34,850
- Where can I learn more about Tennessee requirements for nurse licenses? Visit the Tennessee Board of Nursing for the latest information. You can also read our article that breaks down the steps for nursing license renewal in TN.
- What are the most populous cities in Tennessee? The top five Tennessee cities by population are:
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Knoxville
- Chattanooga
- Clarksville
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to roughly 6.8 million people, ranking as the 16th-most populated state. If you're curious about the demographic breakdown of the patient population, approximately 74.3% of residents are White, 16.7% are Black, 5.2% are Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% are Asian, 0.2% are Native Indian/Alaska Native, 0.1% are Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 1.9% identify as two or more races.
The median age of residents in Tennessee is 39.1 — just slightly above the national median. Older adults ages 60 and above are the fastest growing demographic, which means that jobs in long-term and post-acute care are expected to be on the rise.
However, this doesn't mean that there's a shortage of nursing jobs in other specialties. You can take a look at current openings according to more popular roles:
- CRNA jobs in Tennessee
- Nurse midwife jobs in Tennessee
- Nurse practitioner jobs in Tennessee
- RN jobs in Tennessee
- Licensed practical nurse jobs in Tennessee
- Certified nursing assistant jobs in Tennessee
- Certified medical assistant jobs in Tennessee
- Surgical tech jobs in Tennessee
- Home health aide jobs in Tennessee
- Caregiver jobs in Tennessee
- Student nurse jobs in Tennessee
Working in Tennessee
The healthcare industry in Tennessee generates nearly $46.7 billion and offers over 270,000 jobs to the local economy each year. Nurses in particular make up one of the largest occupations in Tennessee and are still among the most in-demand professionals. This means that you'll have plenty of opportunities to build a long and stable career here.
Tennessee is also home to some of the best hospitals in the country. If you're looking for acute care jobs, you can explore openings at the following facilities:
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
- Southern Tennessee Regional Health System
- TriStar Health
If you're more interested in post-acute care, consider careers available through the Division of Tenncare. The CHOICES program offers a variety of healthcare services for older adults and adults with disabilities, and you can also explore public health jobs directly on the Department of Health's website.
The average commute time in Tennessee is 24.8 minutes, which is below the national average. Some counties have public transit systems, but you'll most likely need a car for reliable transportation. Roughly 83.6% of residents drive alone to work, 9% carpool, 4.1% work from home, and 0.7% take public transportation.
Need someone to look after your children while you're at work? The state's Department of Human Services can help you locate a childcare agency near you. For pet parents, you can easily search for and find sitters in your area as well.
Living in Tennessee
When it's time to settle down in Tennessee, there are a variety of neighborhoods for you to consider across the state's four regions. If you like the hustle and bustle of city life, you can reside in downtown Nashville or Memphis. Alternatively, you can retreat to the quieter, more peaceful suburbs of Oakland or Green Hills.
Whether you love to hike out in nature or immerse yourself in lively entertainment, Tennessee has a little something for everyone. Nashville is located in the heart of the state, offering a vibrant nightlife as well as award-winning hot chicken. But if you want to get away from the crowds, you can escape to the beautiful trails of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Tennessee also has a rich history and unique, music-focused culture. If you're a country music fan, you can visit the many museums that showcase the state's musical roots, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. You'll also have ample opportunities to attend live concerts at the famous Grand Ole Opry.
The climate in Tennessee is a good fit for people who dislike the cold but still want to experience distinct seasons. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Summers can get quite hot and humid, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s. Fall and spring bring the most pleasant weather conditions, which are great for exploring the state's outdoor attractions.
Although nurse salaries in Tennessee aren't as high as in other areas of the U.S., the state has one of the lowest costs of living. The overall cost of living index is 10% less than the national average, which means that you'll likely find affordable prices for houses, groceries, utilities, and other everyday necessities.
Find the Right Job For You on IntelyCare
Ready to explore great nursing jobs in Tennessee? IntelyCare is here to help. Find out how we can match you with jobs in your specialty area and preferred setting.