Labor Market Information
Data Shows Sharp Drops in LPN and CDL Licensees
Trends in the number of active occupational licenses in Tennessee from 2018 to 2025 provide another clue to workforce shortages in the state that can hamper business growth but also provide opportunities. Data compiled by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development on all state-licensed occupations shows clearly declining trends in some occupations that are in high demand across the state.
Data on the top 10 occupations with the most active licensees in the state shows sharply declining trends in two areas that are in high demand in today’s workforce. The 2025 Academic Demand for Occupational Supply report shows Licensed Practical Nurses in demand in all nine local workforce development areas in the state. Recent job openings data (August 4, 2025) listed 901 job openings and only 28 candidates on jobs4TN for LPNs.
Top Health Care License Trends
Analysis of active licensees as reported by the Tennessee Health Regulatory Boards reveals that while the number of licensees for medical doctors and registered nurses has steadily increased since 2018, the number of active licensees for licensed practical nurses has significantly decreased. Data collected by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing could offer some insight into the reason.
According to the National Nursing Workforce study by Richard Smiley, et al., the median age of LPNs significantly increased to 50 in 2024 from 47 in 2022. This could point to an aging workforce as more LPNs are retiring than are getting their credentials. The study also shows that in 2024, 41% of LPNs as well as 40% of RNs were thinking about leaving their careers in two or more years. This points to a myriad of issues that the nursing profession faced before 2020 that were amplified by short staffing, among other concerns, during and post-pandemic. According to Smiley, et al., in the next several years this could cause a shift in the composition of the nursing profession.
Commerce and Insurance Occupational Licensees Show Strong Post-Pandemic Rebound
The Commerce and Insurance data above shows notable increases in the number of active licensees for the above-mentioned occupations. The state of Tennessee reported that more efficiency in testing and licensing systems as well as a much-improved processing system can account for much faster processing times. Accessibility to testing, removing unnecessary testing barriers, and general pandemic rebound have been cited to be main drivers by the state. Nearby states like Georgia and Virginia have also reported similar trends.
Decreases in Active CDL and Teaching Licenses Reflect National Challenge
CDL drivers and teachers are nationally facing challenges with decreasing supply in the face of continuing demand. The Academic Supply for Occupational Demand report showed heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers in demand in all nine local workforce development areas, with jobs4TN placing them in the high-demand category with 484 openings statewide and only 133 candidates.
Tennessee enacted a CDL Commercial Driver Entry Level training with the goal of addressing these shortages. Nationally, shortages have been attributed to bottlenecks in testing and licensing, as well as other policies that make licensing more challenging.
Teachers are also facing challenging post-pandemic conditions as the number of licensed teachers in Tennessee has gone down by over 10,000 active licenses since 2020. A state teacher apprenticeship program has begun to address the challenge. However, more attention to measuring these shortages, researching the reasons for these declines, and developing robust solutions will be needed to fill needed positions.
Tutorial Videos
These tutorial videos demonstrate how to access some of the commonly sought-after information within the Labor Market Information section of Jobs4TN.gov. This information is useful for those considering a career change or for those interested in more information on jobs, employers, or occupational outlooks in their area.
How do I find the top industries in a county or other area?
How can I see if an occupation is in-demand in my area?
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How can I check the educational requirements for a certain occupation and where can I attend school?
How can I find the average wages for production workers in my area?
What are the top job postings in my area?
What is my county's unemployment rate?
How does employment in a certain sector compare to a year ago?