Dental Assistants Salary in Tennessee
Dental Assistants in Tennessee earn a median annual wage of $46,720 —2.8% below the national median of $48,070. That ranks TN #34 of 50 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment concentration (0.91×) is close to the national average.
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
All 50 states ranked by median annual wage. Tennessee is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | $65,270 | $31.38 | 5,980 | 0.81 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $60,580 | $29.13 | 630 | 0.36 |
| 3 | Maine | $60,070 | $28.88 | 1,550 | 0.97 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $59,530 | $28.62 | 1,600 | 0.94 |
| 5 | Oregon | $59,490 | $28.60 | 5,930 | 1.21 |
| 6 | Washington | $58,090 | $27.93 | 13,050 | 1.47 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $57,980 | $27.88 | 9,680 | 1.07 |
| 8 | North Dakota | $57,770 | $27.78 | 860 | 0.80 |
| 9 | Alaska | $57,710 | $27.74 | 1,140 | 1.40 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $56,850 | $27.33 | 3,840 | 0.91 |
Related occupations in Tennessee
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Tennessee.
| Occupation | Tennessee median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $32,130 | $35,800 |
| Nursing Assistants | $37,990 | $42,260 |
| Medical Assistants | $39,570 | $45,690 |
| Phlebotomists | $38,550 | $45,230 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,320 | $38,150 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $62,500 | $68,380 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do dental assistants make in Tennessee?
The median annual wage for dental assistants in Tennessee is $46,720, or $22.46 per hour. That is 2.8% below the national median of $48,070.
What is the entry-level dental assistants salary in Tennessee?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $37,810 per year ($18.18/hour). The 25th percentile is $44,440.
How many people work as dental assistants in Tennessee?
About 7,420 people work in this occupation in Tennessee, or 2.3 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Tennessee a good state for dental assistants?
Tennessee ranks #34 of 50 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment concentration (0.91x) is close to the national average.
Which state pays dental assistants the most?
Minnesota has the highest median wage at $65,270 per year, followed by District of Columbia ($60,580) and Maine ($60,070).