Cookeville vs Knoxville: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cookeville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cookeville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,795 | $61,264▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.30 | $29.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,863▲ | $40,589 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,872▲ | $51,962 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,895▲ | $64,963 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,458▲ | $68,177 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 2,650▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cookeville.
The salary gap between Cookeville and Knoxville is $4,469 (7.87%). Knoxville's median is -10.00% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cookeville spans $24,595,Knoxville spans $27,588. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($66,182 effective) pays 6.97% more than Cookeville ($61,868 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cookeville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,458)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,264/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,182)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Cookeville grew 25.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 46.3% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Cookeville, TN
$42,741 (2024) → $53,732 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$39,620 (2019) → $57,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cookeville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cookeville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cookeville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Cookeville to Knoxville as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cookeville vs Knoxville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov