Dental Assistants pay in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the median pay for dental assistants is $22.46 an hour ($46,720 a year). About 7,420 people work in this job there.
That is 3% lower than the U.S. median ($48,070). Tennessee ranks 34th of 50 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for dental assistants in Tennessee
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $18.18 | $37,810 |
| 25% of workers | $21.37 | $44,440 |
| Half of workers (median) | $22.46 | $46,720 |
| 75% of workers | $28.50 | $59,270 |
| 90% of workers | $29.45 | $61,260 |
Dental Assistants pay in Tennessee metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $48,540 | 2,730 |
| Memphis | $48,200 | 1,200 |
| Knoxville | $46,790 | 1,030 |
| Jackson | $46,590 | 190 |
| Chattanooga | $46,360 | 670 |
| Clarksville | $46,050 | 320 |
| Morristown | $45,550 | 130 |
| Johnson City | $45,540 | 220 |
| Cleveland | $45,230 | 140 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $45,110 | 320 |
Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for dental assistants
- Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 6 months to 1 year (O*NET)
- Job outlook: +7.4% over ten years, faster than average · about 53,000 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistants | $39,570 |
| Dental Hygienists | $84,640 |
| Surgical Technologists | $60,530 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $38,890 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $42,810 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $47,940 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $49,180 |
| Surgical Assistants | $81,640 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.