Murfreesboro, TN: A Career Guide for Licensed Practical Nurses

By a Local Career Analyst

As a long-time resident of the "Boro," I've watched this city transform from a quiet college town into a booming regional hub. For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Murfreesboro offers a compelling mix of stable healthcare demand, a relatively low cost of living, and a vibrant community. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and give you a clear, data-driven picture of what your career in nursing could look like here.

Let's get started.

The Salary Picture: Where Murfreesboro Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The healthcare market here is robust, anchored by a major university and a growing suburban population. According to the most recent data, the median salary for an LPN in the Murfreesboro metro area is $54,193/year, with a typical hourly rate of $26.05/hour. This is just slightly below the national average for LPNs, which sits at $54,620/year.

While the national figure is a useful benchmark, your actual earnings will heavily depend on your experience, specialty, and the type of facility you work in. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in this market:

| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary (Murfreesboro) | Key Employers & Notes |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $48,000 - $52,000 | Home health agencies, long-term care facilities (e.g., NHC Murfreesboro), some outpatient clinics. Starting pay often begins near $22-$24/hour. |
| Mid-Career (3-8 years) | $52,000 - $58,000 | Hospital units (e.g., MTMC), specialty clinics (oncology, orthopedics), school nursing. This is the most common range for experienced staff nurses. |
| Senior/Expert (8+ years) | $58,000 - $65,000+ | Charge nurse roles, clinical supervisors, case management, specialized units (e.g., ICU, dialysis). Top pay is often found in hospital-based roles with shift differentials. |

Comparison to Other Tennessee Cities:
Murfreesboro offers a strong value proposition. Nashville LPNs earn a higher median salary (closer to $57,000/year), but the cost of living there is significantly steeper. Knoxville and Chattanooga salaries are very similar to Murfreesboro's. For an LPN prioritizing a balance between income and affordability, Murfreesboro is a standout choice.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many local employers, especially the hospitals and larger nursing homes, offer robust shift differentials (often $3-$5/hour extra for evenings, nights, and weekends). This can add $5,000 - $8,000 to your annual income if you work non-traditional hours.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $54,193 sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down for a single LPN with no dependents.

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,516 ($54,193 / 12)
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,000/month (approx. 22% effective rate)
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,516/month

Now, let's factor in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Murfreesboro is $1,442/month. This leaves you with approximately $2,074/month for all other expenses (utilities, car payment, gas, groceries, insurance, savings).

Can an LPN Afford to Buy a Home in Murfreesboro?
The short answer is yes, but it requires careful planning. The median home price in Rutherford County is around $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,800 - $2,000. This would consume a larger portion of your take-home pay than renting, leaving less room for savings and discretionary spending. However, it's not impossible, especially with dual incomes or if you're willing to live in a slightly less central neighborhood.

Insider Tip: Many local apartment complexes, particularly those near the medical park or MTMC, offer "medical professional" discounts or flexible lease terms. It's always worth asking.

Where the Jobs Are: Murfreesboro's Major Employers

The healthcare job market here is diverse. While there are over 330 LPN positions in the metro area, knowing where to look is key. The 10-year job growth for LPNs is projected at 5%, which is steady and reflects the aging population and expanding healthcare services.

Here are the primary employers for LPNs in Murfreesboro:

1. Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC): Part of the HCA Healthcare network, this is the city's largest hospital. They hire LPNs primarily for Med/Surg, orthopedics, and behavioral health units. Hiring is frequent due to high patient volume. My Insight: MTMC has a strong reputation for internal continuing education, making it a great place to build clinical skills.

2. Stones River Manor & NHC Murfreesboro: These are two of the largest long-term care and rehabilitation facilities in the city. They are consistently the top employers of LPNs. The work is demanding but offers consistent hours and a clear care-team structure. Hiring Trend: There's high demand here, especially for weekend and night shifts.

3. Rutherford County Schools: The school district employs LPNs as school nurses. This is a highly sought-after position for those seeking a 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM schedule with summers and holidays off. Competition is fierce, and positions are often filled internally or by candidates with pediatric experience.

4. Regional One Health & Vanderbilt Health Clinics: Both systems have a significant outpatient clinic presence in Murfreesboro (e.g., Vanderbilt's Medicine & Neurology clinics). LPNs here work in a fast-paced, no-weekends environment, managing patient intake, vaccinations, and physician assistance.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Gentiva, LHC Group): Several national and regional home health companies service Murfreesboro. This role offers autonomy and a driving schedule. Pay is often per visit, which can exceed a staff nurse's hourly wage if you're efficient and live centrally.

6. Dialysis Clinics (e.g., DaVita, Fresenius): Dialysis is a specialty field with stable hours and a specific skill set. Training is often provided. This is an excellent path for LPNs looking for a predictable, non-hospital setting.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers use "on-call" or "per diem" pools for LPNs. This is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door, build relationships, and test out different facilities before committing to a full-time role.

Getting Licensed in TN

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to obtain a Tennessee nursing license. The process is managed by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Requirements:

1. Graduate from an approved LPN program.
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
3. Apply for licensure by endorsement if you're already licensed in another state. You'll need to provide verification of your current license.
4. Submit to a background check (fingerprinting).
5. Pay the application and licensing fees (approx. $180-$250 total).

Timeline: Start the process at least 4-6 weeks before your planned move. If you're a new graduate, you'll need to apply for a temporary permit while waiting for your NCLEX results.

Cost: Budget around $300-$400 for the full process (fingerprinting, application fees, license verification).

Insider Tip: The Tennessee Board of Nursing website is your best friend. Their online portal, TN eLicense, is where you'll track your application. If you're moving for a job, some employers offer a small reimbursement for licensing fees—always ask during negotiations.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Your neighborhood choice will impact your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here are four top areas for healthcare professionals:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Medical Center Parkway Area	Modern, corporate, and extremely convenient. 5-10 min drive to MTMC and most clinics. Very walkable to gyms and restaurants.	$1,500 - $1,700	The ultimate convenience. Perfect for those who want a short commute and modern amenities.
Historic Downtown	Charming, walkable, and vibrant. 10-15 min commute to most hospitals. Older buildings with character, but street parking can be tough.	$1,300 - $1,600	Young professionals who value nightlife, local coffee shops, and a strong sense of community.
Blackman / Salem / Southeast Murfreesboro	Suburban, family-oriented, and quieter. 15-20 min commute to the city center. More affordable rent and larger living spaces.	$1,200 - $1,500	Those who prioritize space, a quieter lifestyle, and don't mind a slightly longer commute.
Campus / University Area	Energetic and student-focused. 10-15 min commute. High-density housing, but can be noisy near the university.	$1,100 - $1,400	LPNs who enjoy a youthful atmosphere and want to be near the energy of MTSU.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Medical Center Parkway and Broad Street can be heavy during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). If you work a standard day shift, living on the same side of town as your workplace is a major quality-of-life win.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the LPN role is vital, many nurses look to advance. In Murfreesboro, your options are clear:

• Specialty Premiums: LPNs in dialysis, wound care, or long-term care often earn $2-$4/hour more than a general Med/Surg LPN. Obtaining a certification (e.g., Wound Care Certified LPN) can boost your value.
• Bridging to RN: This is the most common advancement path. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Columbia State Community College offer excellent ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs. Many local hospitals, including MTMC, offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for employees pursuing an RN degree. With your LPN experience, you could become an RN in 18-24 months.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for LPNs in Tennessee is stable. However, the trend is toward higher acuity in long-term care and more complex patient management in outpatient settings. LPNs who specialize and pursue continuous education will have the most opportunities. The 5% job growth is a safe bet, but roles at the higher end of the pay scale will favor those with specialized skills.

Insider Tip: Network with the nurse managers at MTMC and the major nursing homes. Let them know your long-term goals. They often know about internal opportunities for advancement before they're publicly posted.

The Verdict: Is Murfreesboro Right for You?

Murfreesboro presents a strong case for LPNs seeking a balanced career and lifestyle. It’s a city in growth mode, with a stable healthcare ecosystem and a cost of living that allows for a comfortable life on a typical nursing salary.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $54,193 salary goes further here than in Nashville or Knoxville.	Traffic Congestion: Growth has come with traffic, especially on main arteries like I-24 and Medical Center Pkwy.
Stable Job Market: Over 330 openings and steady growth (5%) provide security.	Limited Nightlife: While downtown is growing, it's not a major metropolitan scene.
Strong Employer Variety: From large hospitals to home health and schools, you have choices.	Rapid Growth: The city's rapid expansion can feel impersonal to some and strains local infrastructure.
Central Location: Easy access to Nashville (35 min), Chattanooga (90 min), and the Cumberland Plateau.	Competitive Housing Market: While affordable, the rental and home-buying market is competitive due to demand.
Community Feel: A true "small town with big-city amenities" vibe, especially in neighborhoods like Historic Downtown.	Specialty Limitations: Fewer niche, cutting-edge specialty roles compared to a major medical center like Vanderbilt in Nashville.

Final Recommendation:
Murfreesboro is an excellent choice for LPNs who are practical, community-oriented, and value a work-life balance. It's ideal for those looking to start their career, grow their family, or transition into a more stable, affordable environment. If your primary goal is to be at the absolute forefront of specialized medical research, Nashville might be a better fit. But for a sustainable, rewarding career where your salary affords a good life, Murfreesboro is a top contender.

FAQs

Q: Is it difficult to find a job as a new graduate LPN in Murfreesboro?
A: It's competitive, but very doable. The key is to be flexible. Apply to long-term care facilities, home health, and as a "new grad" pool at MTMC. Having a clean background and a positive attitude during interviews goes a long way. The 5% growth indicates that new positions are being created.

Q: What's the typical schedule for an LPN in a hospital vs. a nursing home?
A: Hospitals like MTMC typically have 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts, with a mix of day, evening, and night rotations. Nursing homes often have more traditional 8-hour shifts but may require every-other-weekend rotations. Home health and clinic roles are usually Monday-Friday, day shift.

Q: How does the cost of living in Murfreesboro affect my salary?
A: The Cost of Living Index is 97.4 (US avg = 100), meaning it's slightly below the national average. The biggest factor is rent, at $1,442 for a 1BR. Compared to Nashville (Index ~110, Rent ~$1,700+), your $54,193 salary will feel more substantial in Murfreesboro.

Q: Are there opportunities for LPNs to work in schools?
A: Yes, but they are highly competitive. Rutherford County Schools and Murfreesboro City Schools both employ LPNs. You'll need a school nurse certification (often provided on the job). Persistence and networking with the district's health services coordinator are key.

Q: What's the one thing I should do before moving to Murfreesboro for an LPN job?
A: Secure your Tennessee nursing license. The process can take time, and no employer will hold a position indefinitely for someone without an active TN license. Start your application before you pack a single box.