Dental Assistant Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Dental Assistants in Tennessee earn an average of $43,831 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +5.8% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$43,831
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.08
per hour
vs National
-5.8%
$46,540 national
Salary Range
$28,644
to $63,839
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$43,831
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$47,130
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Dental Assistant's salary of $43,831 has the purchasing power of $47,130 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Dental Assistant Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $45,729 | $21.99/hr | $29,078 | $67,105 | 351 |
| Memphis, TN | $41,932 | $20.16/hr | $28,209 | $60,573 | 290 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Dental Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 641 Dental Assistants employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Dental Assistant Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$28,644
Starting salary for new Dental Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$43,831
Mid-career Dental Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$63,839
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Nurse Practitioner
$118,823
avg in TN
+$74,992 vs Dental Assistant
Registered Nurse
$87,682
avg in TN
+$43,851 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$83,156
avg in TN
+$39,325 vs Dental Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$54,597
avg in TN
+$10,766 vs Dental Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$34,705
avg in TN
-$9,126 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dental Assistant salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistant salary in Tennessee?
The average Dental Assistant salary in Tennessee is $43,831 per year ($21.08/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 5.8% below the national average of $46,540.
What is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Tennessee, with a median salary of $45,729 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $41,932.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Tennessee?
Dental Assistant salaries in Tennessee range from $28,644 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $63,839 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $43,831 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Tennessee. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.