Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Tennessee | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $46,720 | $48,867 | -4% |
| Median hourly wage | $22.46 | $23.49 | -4% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $50,838.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistant in Tennessee is $46,720, or about $22.46 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Dental Assistants is $48,867. Tennessee is -4% below the national median.
Entry-level dental assistants in Tennessee typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 7,420 dental assistant jobs on record and a median salary of $46,720, Tennessee offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.