Nursing Assistant salary in Knoxville, TN
Nursing Assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $38,000 a year ($18.27 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,860 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,140 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,450 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $42,260. Pay here is about the same as the Tennessee statewide median of $37,990. There are 9.1 nursing assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $37,170, close to the median.
Pay range for nursing assistants in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,140 | $14.97 |
| 25th percentile | $34,620 | $16.65 |
| Median | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| 75th percentile | $38,740 | $18.63 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,450 | $20.89 |
| Average (mean) | $37,170 | $17.87 |
Half of nursing assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,166.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,583.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,461.54 |
| Weekly | $730.77 |
| Hourly | $18.27 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,000 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Nursing Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $39,510 | 7,420 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $38,790 | 2,420 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $38,010 | 4,930 |
| Morristown, TN | $37,620 | 350 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $37,550 | 1,400 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $37,320 | 620 |
| Johnson City, TN | $37,310 | 1,390 |
| Cleveland, TN | $37,130 | 440 |
| Jackson, TN | $36,900 | 1,080 |
Highest-paying states for nursing assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $49,830 |
| Washington | $49,180 |
| New York | $48,590 |
| New Hampshire | $47,870 |
| District of Columbia | $47,700 |
| California | $47,630 |
| Colorado | $47,380 |
| Vermont | $47,130 |
| Maine | $47,070 |
| New Jersey | $46,830 |
See Nursing Assistant pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $32,710 | $15.73 |
| Medical Assistant | $38,880 | $18.69 |
| Dental Assistant | $46,790 | $22.49 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $35,660 | $17.15 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,090 | $18.31 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $60,280 | $28.98 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $37,860 | $18.20 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $46,250 | $22.24 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $59,930 | $28.81 |
| Massage Therapist | $47,120 | $22.66 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $43,260 | $20.80 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $30,200 | $14.52 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-1131. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nursing assistant make in Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for nursing assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $38,000 a year, or $18.27 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,140 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,450 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid nursing assistants make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of nursing assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $43,450 a year. The top 25% earn $38,740 or more.
What is the starting pay for nursing assistants in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,140 a year, and a quarter of nursing assistants earn $34,620 or less.
How many nursing assistants work in Knoxville, TN?
About 3,860 nursing assistants are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.