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Registered Nurse Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,030 median (16% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #42 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $79,030, Registered Nurses in Tennessee earn 16% below the national median of $93,600. Tennessee ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$79,030

Hourly estimate

$38.00
16% below national median

Difference: -$14,570

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$59,540
  • P2525th percentile$67,110
  • P50Median$79,030
  • P7575th percentile$88,380
  • P9090th percentile$102,040

State vs National Median

State: $79,030
National: $93,600

Total employment: 67,990 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#42 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$79,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$79,910Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$88,820Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$81,860Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$86,560Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$71,040Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$74,470Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$77,130Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$79,770Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Agency website unverified

Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243

Phone: 6155327212

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$364,200Specific course required1-18 years
Athletic Trainer$54,040Degree required3 months
Audiologist$89,670Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Tennessee?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.

What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Tennessee is $79,030. Salaries range from $59,540 (10th percentile) to $102,040 (90th percentile).

How does the Registered Nurse salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Registered Nurses in Tennessee earn 16% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $79,030.

How many Registered Nurses work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 67,990 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Tennessee from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Tennessee?

The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Tennessee?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.