Healthcare Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Dentist Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median dentist salary in Memphis, TN is $141,126 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$141,126
vs State Avg
$-4,811
vs National
$-19,244
Cost of Living
86%

Dentist Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median dentist salary of $141,126, which is $4,811 below the Tennessee state average of $145,937. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $141,126 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $164,100 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Memphis spans from $70,400 at the 10th percentile to $221,760 at the 90th percentile — a $151,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $206,800. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level dentist earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $206,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,560
$-19,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$206,800
$-28,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $70,400
25th Percentile $101,200
Median (50th) $141,126
75th Percentile $183,040
90th Percentile $221,760

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
Chattanooga, TN
$144,333
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Dentist in Memphis

Education

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

Find Dentist Jobs in Memphis

Browse open dentist positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Memphis

How much does a Dentist make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median dentist salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $141,126 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $70,400 (10th percentile) to $221,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $141,126, a dentist in Memphis earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for dentist pay? ▼
Memphis's median dentist salary of $141,126 is 3.3% below the Tennessee state average of $145,937. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $141,126 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Memphis? ▼
Most dentist positions in Memphis 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.