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Military Enlisted Salary in Nashville, TN β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Nashville's cost of living (index: 112). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Nashville β€” Key Numbers

$45,920
Median Salary
$33,040
25th Percentile
$63,616
75th Percentile
$82,880
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median+12.0%
Nashville median household income$72,200
vs. City household income-36.4%

Cost of Living in Nashville

Cost of Living Index
112(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,556/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio40.7%
Annual rent cost$18,672
Median Home Price$445,000
Home Price / Salary9.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$89,000
Years to save (20% rate)9.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Nashville

2.9%
Unemployment Rate
2,020,000
Metro Population
27 min
Avg Commute
34.6
Median Age

Nashville has a metro population of 2,020,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 2.9% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Nashville, TN?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Nashville is $45,920 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Nashville's cost of living index (112). The typical salary range runs from $33,040 (25th percentile) to $63,616 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $82,880.

Is Nashville affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $45,920 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Nashville would spend approximately 40.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,556/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Nashville may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $445,000 is 9.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Nashville's overall income?

Nashville's median household income is $72,200. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $45,920 earns 36.4% less than the typical Nashville household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Nashville has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.