Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Spring Hill, TN: $44,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Spring Hill, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,131 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Spring Hill's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,073 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,448) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Spring Hill, TN, new graduates can anticipate a beginning salary around $44,131, which is significantly below the city median of $59,448. This entry-level pay suggests that while new LPNs have solid earning potential, they will need to gain experience quickly to bridge the pay gap. Over the first three to five years, aspiring nurses can expect salaries to progress from the first decile toward the median, reaching around $52,725 as they refine their skills and gain more responsibilities. Given the projected growth of 5.70% annually in the healthcare sector, Spring Hill presents a promising market for new nursing graduates eager to launch their careers.
About the Spring Hill Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($49,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Spring Hill
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spring Hill
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Spring Hill, TN typically start between $44,131 and $52,725 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,837 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,448 — 12.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Tennessee of $10,000 represents just 22.66% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($44,131/year) in Spring Hill. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Spring Hill
- 1Research the Spring Hill market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $44,131 to $52,725, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Spring Hill, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Spring Hill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Spring Hill's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Spring Hill is $34,837 ( 78.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,131, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,968.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,009
2025 BLS Actual
$41,751
2026 Current Est.
$44,131
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Spring Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,009 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,857 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,183 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,987 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,335 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,075 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,646 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Spring Hill, TN grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,009 in 2019 to $41,751 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,646. New graduates entering the Spring Hill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spring Hill 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 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Spring Hill
In the Spring Hill area, a variety of employers are keen to hire newly graduated licensed practical nurses. Skilled nursing facilities typically provide the most opportunities for entry-level positions, often accompanied by comprehensive on-the-job orientation to ease the transition from education to practice. Home health agencies are appealing for their flexible scheduling options, catering to a work-life balance that many new grads seek. For those aiming for positions in physician offices, gaining relevant clinical experience is advantageous, as these roles often require specific competencies. To enhance starting pay in Tennessee, candidates should hold an active LPN/LVN license, complete a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma, and have passed the NCLEX-PN exam. Pursuing optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can further enhance appeal to employers. For new LPNs, initial growth may involve exploring LPN-to-RN bridge programs due to the evolving healthcare landscape, where patient care responsibilities and staffing models are continually shifting.
More salary data for Spring Hill, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Spring Hill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Spring Hill 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 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov