Dental Hygienist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $73,260 (2026)

Dental Hygienist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median dental hygienist salary of $73,260, which is $814 below the Tennessee state average of $74,074. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $73,260 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for dental hygienists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Chattanooga spans from $52,380 at the 10th percentile to $97,380 at the 90th percentile — a $45,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,500, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,500. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $49,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$49,500

$-5,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$72,000

$-8,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$94,500

$-10,500 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$52,380	$52,962	$58,200
25th Percentile	$60,840	$61,516	$67,600
Median (50th)	$73,260	$74,074	$81,400
75th Percentile	$88,200	$89,180	$98,000
90th Percentile	$97,380	$98,462	$108,200

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$52,380

25th Percentile

$60,840

Median (50th)

$73,260

75th Percentile

$88,200

90th Percentile

$97,380

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Chattanooga

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CleaningX-ray ImagingPatient EducationPeriodontal AssessmentInfection ControlDental Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median dental hygienist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $73,260 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $52,380 (10th percentile) to $97,380 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $73,260, a dental hygienist in Chattanooga earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼

Chattanooga's median dental hygienist salary of $73,260 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $74,074. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $73,260 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Chattanooga? ▼

Most dental hygienist positions in Chattanooga require a associate's degree. Key skills include Dental Cleaning, X-ray Imaging, Patient Education, Periodontal Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee