Dental Assistants Jobs Pay in Tennessee, TN
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $22.44 - $24.68
Average Annual Pay
Range: $46,675 - $51,343
Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $22.44 - $24.68
How much does a Dental Assistant make in Tennessee, TN?
The average annual salary for a dental assistant in Tennessee, TN is $49,009 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $23.56 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $942 per week or $4,084 per month, depending on hours worked.
Salary range for dental assistants in Tennessee, TN
Dental Assistants salaries in Tennessee, TN can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.
While some salaries can reach as high as $51,343, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $46,675 annually.
The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for dental assistants in Tennessee, TN — about $7,351 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for dental assistants to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.
Top-paying cities for dental assistants around Tennessee, TN
While the average salary for a dental assistants in Tennessee, TN is $49,009 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.
Alaska, AK
Higher than dental assistants around Tennessee, TN
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Higher than dental assistants around Tennessee, TN
Memphis, TN
Higher than dental assistants around Tennessee, TN
Johnson City, TN
Higher than dental assistants around Tennessee, TN
Knoxville, TN
Higher than dental assistants around Tennessee, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Higher than dental assistants around Tennessee, TN
Based on available salary data, 3 cities report average dental assistants salaries above the statewide average.
Leading the list is Alaska, followed by Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Memphis, which also rank among the top-paying locations for dental assistants in the state.
Alaska stands out with dental assistants earning around $8,452 more than the statewide average, or about 17% higher.
In Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Memphis, average salaries are about $1,955 higher than the Tennessee, TN average, representing roughly a 4% increase.
Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, dental assistants may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within Tennessee, TN.
Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.
Dental Assistants pay in Tennessee, TN by experience level
Salaries for dental assistants in Tennessee, TN often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.
Entry-level dental assistants (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $46,675 – $41,658 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.
Mid-level dental assistants (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $41,658 – $56,360 annually.
Experienced dental assistants (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $56,360 – $51,343 per year.
Key factors that affect pay of dental assistants in Tennessee, TN
Several factors can influence how much dental assistants earn in Tennessee, TN, even when the average salary is around $49,009 per year.
Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $41,658, while experienced professionals can make $56,360+ annually.
Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.
Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.
Together, these factors create a wide salary range for dental assistants in Tennessee, TN, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.
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