Featured
Travel Nursing in Tennessee
Tennessee is a powerhouse in American healthcare, home to HCA Healthcare's global headquarters in Nashville and some of the most recognized health systems in the country. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a nationally ranked academic institution. Ascension Saint Thomas, TriStar Health (HCA), and Regional One Health in Memphis operate major facilities. The state's healthcare industry is a significant economic driver, and the Nashville metro alone has dozens of hospitals.
Tennessee is a compact license state with no state income tax on wages. Nashville's music scene, Memphis's blues heritage, and Knoxville's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains create diverse lifestyle options. The cost of living is moderate, making Tennessee an excellent value play for travel nurses seeking strong pay with manageable expenses.
Quick Stats
Agencies
55+
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,000-$3,200/wk
Compact License
Yes
Tennessee is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in TN immediately.
Top Cities
NashvilleMemphisKnoxvilleChattanoogaMurfreesboro
Top Agencies for Tennessee
These agencies are known for strong Tennessee assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Tennessee participates in the NLC. Compact license holders can practice immediately. Non-compact nurses apply through the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Processing Time: Endorsement takes 3 to 6 weeks.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- TN has no state income tax on wages.
- Verify compact status before accepting.
- Nashville's healthcare industry creates enormous assignment volume.
- Criminal background check required.
Popular Cities in Tennessee
Nashville
Music City is the healthcare capital of America, home to HCA's headquarters and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The city offers legendary live music, hot chicken, and a booming economy. Housing has risen but remains moderate.
Memphis
Regional One Health (Level I trauma), Methodist Le Bonheur, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital make Memphis a major healthcare market. The home of blues and barbecue offers very affordable housing.
Knoxville
University of Tennessee Medical Center serves East Tennessee. Proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes it popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Chattanooga
Erlanger Health System and CHI Memorial serve this scenic city on the Tennessee River. Affordable housing and outdoor recreation (Rock City, hiking) make it appealing.
Murfreesboro
Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford serves this growing Nashville suburb. Affordable housing with easy Nashville access.
Popular Specialties in Tennessee
ICU
Vanderbilt's complex ICUs and Memphis's trauma center drive premium critical care demand.
ER
Regional One Health in Memphis is one of the busiest trauma centers in the Southeast.
Med Surg
Tennessee's large hospital networks maintain substantial med surg demand.
OR
Vanderbilt's surgical programs and Nashville's many hospitals drive OR demand.
Housing Notes
Nashville averages $1,200-$1,600/month. Memphis is very affordable at $800-$1,100. Knoxville and Chattanooga are $900-$1,200. Agency stipends of $1,300-$1,800/week cover most areas.
Nursing Schools in Tennessee
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Tennessee, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $2,400-$3,400/wk |
| ER | $2,200-$3,200/wk |
| OR | $2,300-$3,300/wk |
| Med Surg | $1,800-$2,600/wk |
| Telemetry | $2,000-$2,800/wk |
| L&D | $2,200-$3,000/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, boosting take-home pay.
Yes. Tennessee is a compact license state.
Nashville is home to HCA's global headquarters and more healthcare companies per capita than any other city. The concentration of hospitals and health industry creates enormous assignment volume.
Memphis offers very affordable housing, legendary music and barbecue, and strong clinical experience at Regional One trauma center and St. Jude.
Explore Nearby States
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get travel nursing tips, agency reviews, and job alerts delivered to your inbox.
Compare Agencies in Tennessee
Find the best travel nursing agency for your next assignment with side-by-side comparisons.