Dentist Salary in Tennessee
Dentist pay in Tennessee, explained
Dentists in Tennessee earn a median of $215,290 per year ($103.51 per hour), which is 26% above the national median of $170,950. Entry-level workers earn around $84,360, while the most experienced dentists reach about $311,900. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $215,290 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $215,290 is worth about $234,342 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #2 for real pay (vs #4 on the sticker number).
Dentist pay by experience in Tennessee
Dentist pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $215,290 | $234,342 | — |
| North Carolina | $207,000 | $219,452 | +$8,290 |
| Georgia | $206,760 | $214,720 | +$8,530 |
| Missouri | $204,960 | $225,685 | +$10,330 |
| Virginia | $197,110 | $194,958 | +$18,180 |
| Arkansas | $178,930 | $205,816 | +$36,360 |
| Mississippi | $143,660 | $165,216 | +$71,630 |
| Kentucky | $134,160 | $148,804 | +$81,130 |
Dentist in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do dentists make in Tennessee?
Dentists in Tennessee earn a median of $215,290 per year ($103.51 per hour), compared with $170,950 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay dentists well?
At $215,290, Tennessee pays 26% above the national median for dentists. An estimated 2,200 work in the state.