Dental Assistant Salary in Tennessee
Dental Assistant pay in Tennessee, explained
Dental assistants in Tennessee earn a median of $46,720 per year ($22.46 per hour), which is 3% below the national median of $48,070. Entry-level workers earn around $37,810, while the most experienced dental assistants reach about $61,260. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $46,720 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $46,720 is worth about $50,854 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #20 for real pay (vs #34 on the sticker number).
Dental Assistant pay by experience in Tennessee
Dental Assistant pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $46,720 | $50,854 | — |
| North Carolina | $50,380 | $53,411 | −$3,660 |
| Kentucky | $47,730 | $52,940 | −$1,010 |
| Georgia | $46,840 | $48,643 | −$120 |
| Virginia | $46,670 | $46,160 | +$50 |
| Missouri | $45,970 | $50,618 | +$750 |
| Arkansas | $42,830 | $49,266 | +$3,890 |
| Mississippi | $39,160 | $45,036 | +$7,560 |
| Alabama | $39,080 | $43,998 | +$7,640 |
Dental Assistant in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do dental assistants make in Tennessee?
Dental assistants in Tennessee earn a median of $46,720 per year ($22.46 per hour), compared with $48,070 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay dental assistants well?
At $46,720, Tennessee pays 3% below the national median for dental assistants. An estimated 7,420 work in the state.