Healthcare Knoxville, TN Pop. 190,740

Dental Assistant Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee

The median dental assistant salary in Knoxville, TN is $38,259 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$38,259
vs State Avg
$-425
vs National
$-4,251
Cost of Living
88%

Dental Assistant Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,700
$-4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN

Percentile Knoxville
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $31,500
Median (50th) $38,259
75th Percentile $46,800
90th Percentile $54,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$43,360
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$39,959
Pop. 152,769
Chattanooga, TN
$38,259
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$37,409
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Knoxville

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Knoxville

Browse open dental assistant positions in Knoxville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Knoxville, TN? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $38,259 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $54,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Knoxville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,259, a dental assistant in Knoxville earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Knoxville's median dental assistant salary of $38,259 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $38,684. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼
Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $38,259 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Knoxville? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Knoxville require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.