Dental Assistants Salary in East Tennessee

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $45,300 -4.2% vs national
Median hourly $21.78
10th percentile $35,480
90th percentile $55,950
Employed locally 190
National median $47,300

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Dental Assistants
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East Tennessee
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,480
    25th
    $36,320
    50th (median)
    $45,300
    75th
    $49,190
    90th
    $55,950

    Top-paying metros for Dental Assistants

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $65,360
    Minnesota $64,630
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $64,600
    Rochester, MN $62,990
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $62,700
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $62,620

    Related occupations in East Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides $33,600
    Nursing Assistants $35,740
    Medical Assistants $37,380
    Physical Therapist Assistants $62,980
    Phlebotomists $37,230
    Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $34,780

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Dental Assistants make per hour in East Tennessee?

    The median hourly wage for Dental Assistants in East Tennessee is $21.78, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.60 or more per hour.

    Is East Tennessee above or below average for Dental Assistants salaries?

    The median Dental Assistants salary in East Tennessee is 4.2% below the national median of $47,300. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Dental Assistants in East Tennessee?

    Entry-level Dental Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $35,480 per year in East Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,320.