Senior Registered Nurse Salary in Brentwood, TN: $108,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of registered nurses working in Brentwood, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $108,737/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1141. Strip back Brentwood's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $118,450 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those at the top of the experienced registered nurse salary bracket in Brentwood can expect to see impressive earnings, reaching as high as $108,737. This is significantly above the median annual salary of $78,676 for the same year, reflecting a pronounced experience premium that defines senior roles in nursing. In Brentwood, the pay range for seasoned nurses is projected to span from $60,139 at the lower end (P10) to $90,311 (P75), illustrating the potential for strong financial rewards. To ascend to these top-tier salary levels, registered nurses often need to pursue specialized certifications, engage in continuous education, and take on leadership roles. The competitive nature of the healthcare landscape in Brentwood, TN, means that nurses who invest in their professional development stand to benefit from enhanced pay and opportunities.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($71,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood
Experienced registered nurses at the top of the pay scale in Brentwood earn between $90,311 and $108,737 per year (2026 est.). This $48,598 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brentwood median of $78,676 sits 23.41% below the US median.
Top RN Salary Comparison
| Level | Brentwood | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $78,676 | $102,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,311 | $118,316 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $108,737 | $144,770 |
In Brentwood, experienced registered nurses (P90) earn 38.21% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Registered Nurse Pay in Brentwood
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN registered nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $78,676 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brentwood employers.
Specialty Focus
Registered Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Brentwood command premium compensation, often reaching the $90,311–$108,737 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brentwood metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced registered nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured registered nurses in Brentwood with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Registered Nurses in Tennessee who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Registered Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Brentwood
Clinical Registered Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Registered Nurse
5-10 yearsRegistered Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrentwood ranks #15 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner registered nurse salary (90th percentile: $108,737).
Top 10% registered nurse compensation in Brentwood ($108,737) is 3.88% below the Tennessee average P90 ($113,122).
2019 BLS Actual
$83,538
2025 BLS Actual
$103,254
2026 Current Est.
$108,737
2019–2027 Growth
+37.1%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,538 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,301 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,656 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,119 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,254 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,511 | Projected |
Top-earning registered nurses (90th percentile) in Brentwood saw their compensation grow 23.6% from $83,538 in 2019 to $103,254 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.31% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $114,511 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Registered Nurse Earnings in Brentwood
Among the various specializations within nursing, certain areas command premium pay in Brentwood, particularly for experienced registered nurses. Critical care (CCRN), emergency (CEN), oncology (OCN), and perioperative (CNOR) roles are not only in high demand but also offer salaries that align with their challenging nature. Compensation can also differ based on employer types; hospital systems, especially those categorized as acute care, provide distinct pay scales compared to surgical specialty centers and home health agencies. Advancement pathways in nursing often lead to roles such as charge nurse, nurse manager, or even clinical nurse specialist. Achieving these positions frequently requires additional qualifications such as an active RN license, a BSN, and specialty certifications. Factors like shift differentials for nights and weekends further boost earnings, with experienced nurses often securing up to $7 more per hour for night shifts. In a market like Brentwood, where advanced credentials and leadership skills are key, seniors in nursing can find substantial rewards beyond their base salary.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced registered nurses make in Brentwood in 2026?
What drives higher registered nurse pay in Brentwood?
What certifications boost registered nurse salary in Brentwood?
Can experienced registered nurses make six figures in Brentwood?
How much does registered nurse salary increase over time in Brentwood?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $103,254 for registered nurses in the Brentwood metro area. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brentwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov