Healthcare Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

Dentist Salary in Tennessee

The median dentist salary in Tennessee is $145,937 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$145,937
vs National
$-14,433
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Dentist Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level dentist earns around $77,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $213,850 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,350
$-7,650 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$147,420
$-14,580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$213,850
$-21,150 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $72,800
25th Percentile $104,650
Median (50th) $145,937
75th Percentile $189,280
90th Percentile $229,320

Dentist Salary by City in Tennessee

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

Nashville, TN
$163,577
Pop. 689,447 · COL 100%
Memphis, TN
$141,126
Pop. 633,104 · COL 86%
Knoxville, TN
$144,333
Pop. 190,740 · COL 88%
Chattanooga, TN
$144,333
Pop. 181,099 · COL 88%
Murfreesboro, TN
$150,748
Pop. 152,769 · COL 92%

How to Become a Dentist in Tennessee

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Dentist Jobs in Tennessee

Browse open dentist positions in Tennessee:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Dentist make in Tennessee? ▼
The median dentist salary in Tennessee is $145,937 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $72,800 (10th percentile) to $229,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $145,937, a dentist in Tennessee earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for dentists? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $77,350, while senior professionals earn $213,850.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. Tennessee's median of $145,937 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($145,937) and New Mexico ($145,937).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level dentist in Tennessee earns approximately $77,350 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $147,420. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $213,850.
What city in Tennessee pays dentists the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for dentists, with a median salary of $163,577. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.