Healthcare Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Dentist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median dentist salary in Chattanooga, TN is $144,333 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$144,333
vs State Avg
$-1,604
vs National
$-16,037
Cost of Living
88%

Dentist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median dentist salary of $144,333, which is $1,604 below the Tennessee state average of $145,937. Compared to the national median of $160,370, 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 $144,333 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $164,015 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Chattanooga spans from $72,000 at the 10th percentile to $226,800 at the 90th percentile — a $154,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,500, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $211,500. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dentist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level dentist earns around $76,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $211,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,800
$-16,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$211,500
$-23,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $72,000
25th Percentile $103,500
Median (50th) $144,333
75th Percentile $187,200
90th Percentile $226,800

Dentist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$163,577
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$150,748
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$144,333
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$141,126
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Dentist in Chattanooga

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open dentist positions in Chattanooga, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Dentist make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median dentist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $144,333 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $72,000 (10th percentile) to $226,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,333, a dentist in Chattanooga earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for dentist pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median dentist salary of $144,333 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $145,937. 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 dentist salary of $144,333 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Chattanooga? ▼
Most dentist positions in Chattanooga require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Dental Procedures, Radiography, Patient Management, Oral Surgery. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.