Nursing Assistants Salary in Knoxville, TN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Knoxville, TN

Median annual salary $36,920 -6.6% vs national
Median hourly $17.75
10th percentile $30,130
90th percentile $41,390
Employed locally 3,100
National median $39,530

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    In Knoxville, TN, nursing assistants typically earn a median annual salary of $36,920, which is lower than the national median of $39,530 for this occupation. This salary translates to a median hourly wage of $17.75. When compared to the local area's median household income of $69,734, it becomes evident that nursing assistants' earnings make up approximately 52.9% of the typical household income. This indicates that while nursing assistants play a crucial role in healthcare, their compensation does not reach parity with the broader economic metrics of the community.

    Entry-level nursing assistants in Knoxville generally earn salaries closer to the lower end of the distribution, around $30,130 at the 10th percentile, whereas more experienced workers may see earnings near the 90th percentile, which is approximately $41,390. The disparity between entry-level and experienced positions can be attributed to factors such as additional certifications, tenure in the field, specialized skills, or responsibilities that come with experience. As nursing assistants gain proficiency and possibly take on supervisory roles, their earning potential increases, reflecting a broader trend seen across various professions where experience and skill enhancements drive wage growth.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,130
    25th
    $32,630
    50th (median)
    $36,920
    75th
    $37,740
    90th
    $41,390

    Knoxville economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,734 2023 • Census ACS
    Nursing Assistants salary vs area income 53% Median Nursing Assistants salary is 47% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Nursing Assistants make per hour in Knoxville?

    The median hourly wage for Nursing Assistants in Knoxville, TN is $17.75, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $20.89 or more per hour.

    Is Knoxville above or below average for Nursing Assistants salaries?

    The median Nursing Assistants salary in Knoxville, TN is 6.6% below the national median of $39,530. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Nursing Assistants in Knoxville?

    Entry-level Nursing Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $30,130 per year in Knoxville, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $32,630.