Healthcare Knoxville, TN Pop. 190,740

Dentist Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee

The median dentist salary in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville 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, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville'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 Knoxville an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Knoxville 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 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dentist Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN

Percentile Knoxville
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
Chattanooga, TN
$144,333
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$141,126
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Dentist in Knoxville

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Knoxville 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 Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Knoxville

Browse open dentist positions in Knoxville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Dentist make in Knoxville, TN? ▼
The median dentist salary in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,333, a dentist in Knoxville earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for dentist pay? ▼
Knoxville'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 Knoxville, TN? ▼
Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $144,333 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Knoxville? ▼
Most dentist positions in Knoxville 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.