Nursing Assistant salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Nursing Assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $38,010 a year ($18.27 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,930 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,540 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 8.1 nursing assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $38,520, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for nursing assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,660 | $15.22 |
| 25th percentile | $36,400 | $17.50 |
| Median | $38,010 | $18.27 |
| 75th percentile | $41,960 | $20.18 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,540 | $21.42 |
| Average (mean) | $38,520 | $18.52 |
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 | $3,167.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,583.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,461.92 |
| Weekly | $730.96 |
| Hourly | $18.27 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
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 |
| Knoxville, TN | $38,000 | 3,860 |
| 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 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $35,820 | 2,320 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $35,370 | 5,250 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $35,210 | 1,050 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $32,880 | 820 |
| Jackson, MS | $32,040 | 3,000 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $32,020 | 1,580 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $31,520 | 1,660 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $30,440 | 840 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $29,940 | 810 |
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $30,900 | $14.86 |
| Orderly | $32,140 | $15.45 |
| Psychiatric Aide | $38,080 | $18.31 |
| Medical Assistant | $39,260 | $18.87 |
| Dental Assistant | $48,200 | $23.17 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,990 | $17.78 |
| Phlebotomist | $39,480 | $18.98 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,560 | $29.60 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $47,470 | $22.82 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,480 | $21.87 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $29,720 | $14.29 |
| Massage Therapist | $47,320 | $22.75 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $52,440 | $25.21 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $64,010 | $30.77 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for nursing assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $38,010 a year, or $18.27 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,540 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid nursing assistants make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of nursing assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $44,540 a year. The top 25% earn $41,960 or more.
What is the starting pay for nursing assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,660 a year, and a quarter of nursing assistants earn $36,400 or less.
How many nursing assistants work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 4,930 nursing assistants are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.