Healthcare Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Dental Hygienist Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median dental hygienist salary in Nashville, TN is $83,028 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 12.1% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$83,028
vs State Avg
+$8,954
vs National
+$1,628
Cost of Living
100%

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

Nashville offers a median dental hygienist salary of $83,028, which is $8,954 above the Tennessee state average of $74,074. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Nashville spans from $59,364 at the 10th percentile to $110,364 at the 90th percentile — a $51,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,100, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,100. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $56,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,100
+$1,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
+$1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,100
+$2,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $59,364
25th Percentile $68,952
Median (50th) $83,028
75th Percentile $99,960
90th Percentile $110,364

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Murfreesboro, TN
$76,516
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$73,260
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$73,260
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$71,632
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Nashville

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Nashville 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 Nashville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Nashville

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Nashville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Nashville

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $83,028 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $59,364 (10th percentile) to $110,364 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,028, a dental hygienist in Nashville earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Nashville's median dental hygienist salary of $83,028 is 12.1% above the Tennessee state average of $74,074. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $83,028 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Nashville? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Nashville 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.