Healthcare Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in Tennessee

The median dental assistant salary in Tennessee is $38,684 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$38,684
vs National
$-3,826
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Dental Assistant Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $28,210, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,780 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,210
$-2,790 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,130
$-3,870 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,780
$-5,220 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $27,300
25th Percentile $31,850
Median (50th) $38,684
75th Percentile $47,320
90th Percentile $54,600

Dental Assistant Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Nashville, TN
$43,360
Pop. 689,447 · COL 100%
Memphis, TN
$37,409
Pop. 633,104 · COL 86%
Knoxville, TN
$38,259
Pop. 190,740 · COL 88%
Chattanooga, TN
$38,259
Pop. 181,099 · COL 88%
Murfreesboro, TN
$39,959
Pop. 152,769 · COL 92%

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Tennessee

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Browse open dental assistant positions in Tennessee:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Tennessee? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Tennessee is $38,684 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,300 (10th percentile) to $54,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,684, a dental assistant in Tennessee earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for dental assistants? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $28,210, while senior professionals earn $52,780.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. Tennessee's median of $38,684 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($38,684) and New Mexico ($38,684).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in Tennessee earns approximately $28,210 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,130. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $52,780.
What city in Tennessee pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for dental assistants, with a median salary of $43,360. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.