Dentist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 2K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$215,290
$103.50/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
+22.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$84K – $312K
2K employed in Tennessee
The average Dentist salary in Tennessee is $215,290 per year, placing it significantly above the national average by 23%. This figure represents the midpoint, with actual earnings for dentists in the state ranging from $84,360 to $311,900 annually, catering to a workforce of approximately 2,200 dental professionals.
Several factors influence Dentist salary in Tennessee. Experience level, specialization within dentistry, the specific practice setting (e.g., private practice versus group, or hospital employment), and geographic location within the state can all contribute to variations in earning potential. Demand for dental services and the economic conditions of the local area also play a role.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,360 |
| 25th percentile | $133,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $215,290 |
| 75th percentile | $269,120 |
| 90th percentile | $311,900 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dentist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dentists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dentists in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $208,220 | 90 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $193,760 | 1K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $193,060 | 610 |
| Finance and Insurance | $179,740 | 140 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,970 | 30 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dentist in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $168,650 |
| 2023 | $150,220 |
| 2024 | $154,460 |
| 2025 | $215,290 |
| 2026 (projected) | $228,207 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $168,650 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $150,220 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $154,460 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $215,290 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $228,207 | $186,249 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $133,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $215,290 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $269,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $311,900 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Dentist ($215,290 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +183.4% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +73.5% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +64.7% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +53.6% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +7.9% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +5.4% | $109.05/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | -0.2% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | -1.3% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | -1.8% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | -18.2% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | -37.7% | $64.50/hr |
| Pharmacist in TN | $133,390 | -38.0% | $64.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Tennessee?
- The median salary for dentists in Tennessee is $215,290 per year, which averages out to about $104 per hour. This means that half of all dentists in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for dentists in Tennessee?
- Dentists in Tennessee can expect to earn between $84,360 and $311,900 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, practice type, and location within the state.
How does dentist pay in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- Dentists in Tennessee earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being approximately 22.5% higher. This suggests a strong demand and potentially higher earning potential for dental professionals in the state.
How many dentists are employed in Tennessee?
- There are an estimated 2,200 dentists currently employed in Tennessee. This figure represents the total number of dental professionals practicing within the state.