Dental Assistant Salary in Tennessee
Based on 7K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$46,720
$22.46/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-4.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $61K
7K employed in Tennessee
The median Dental Assistant salary in Tennessee is $46,720 per year, which translates to approximately $22 per hour. This figure is about 4.8% lower than the national average for dental assistants, indicating a slightly different earning landscape within the state.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in Tennessee, including years of experience, specific employer, geographic location within the state, and any additional certifications held by the assistant. The salary range for dental assistants in Tennessee falls between $37,810 and $61,260 annually. As of now, there are approximately 7,420 dental assistants employed in Tennessee.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,810 |
| 25th percentile | $44,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $46,720 |
| 75th percentile | $59,270 |
| 90th percentile | $61,260 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Assistants in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $71,800 | 50 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $55,270 | 6K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,260 | — |
| Manufacturing | $52,290 | 130 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,020 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Assistant in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,720 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,122 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,720 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,122 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $44,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $46,720 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,270 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $61,260 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Dental Assistant ($46,720 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +1205.8% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +699.5% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +658.9% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +607.7% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +397.0% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +385.5% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +360.8% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +359.9% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +354.8% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +352.6% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +277.2% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +187.2% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a Dental Assistant in Tennessee is $46,720 per year, or $22 per hour. This means that half of all dental assistants in the state earn more than this amount, while half earn less. The salary range generally falls between $37,810 and $61,260 annually.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- The Dental Assistant salary in Tennessee is approximately 4.8% lower than the national average. This suggests that, on average, dental assistants in Tennessee may earn slightly less than their counterparts in other parts of the United States.
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, the salary for a Dental Assistant typically ranges from $37,810 to $61,260 per year. This broad range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 7,420 Dental Assistants currently employed in Tennessee. This indicates a stable demand for these professionals within the state's dental industry.