Dental Assistant Salary in Tennessee
Dental Assistants in Tennessee earn a median of $46,720 a year, or $22.46 an hour. That ranks Tennessee #34 of 50 states and is $1,350 less than the national median.
- Median / year
- $46,720
- Median / hour
- $22.46
- Employed
- 7,420
- National rank
- #34of 50
Pay range in Tennessee
Dental Assistant pay by Tennessee metro area
| Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $48,540 | 2,730 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $48,200 | 1,200 |
| Knoxville, TN | $46,790 | 1,030 |
| Jackson, TN | $46,590 | 190 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $46,360 | 670 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $46,050 | 320 |
| Morristown, TN | $45,550 | 130 |
| Johnson City, TN | $45,540 | 220 |
| Cleveland, TN | $45,230 | 140 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $45,110 | 320 |
FAQ
How much does a dental assistant make in Tennessee?
The median annual wage is $46,720 ($22.46 per hour), according to the BLS for May 2025. That is $1,350 below the U.S. median of $48,070.
What do entry-level dental assistants make in Tennessee?
The lowest-paid 10% of Tennessee dental assistants earned $37,810 or less ($18.18/hour), a reasonable estimate for new graduates.
Where do dental assistants earn the most in Tennessee?
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN has the highest metro median at $48,540.
How many dental assistants work in Tennessee?
About 7,420 dental assistants were employed in Tennessee in May 2025.