Dental Assistant salary in Knoxville, TN
Dental Assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $46,790 a year ($22.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,030 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,140 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is about the same as the Tennessee statewide median of $46,720. There are 2.4 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $49,500, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,810 | $18.18 |
| 25th percentile | $45,220 | $21.74 |
| Median | $46,790 | $22.49 |
| 75th percentile | $59,710 | $28.71 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,140 | $28.91 |
| Average (mean) | $49,500 | $23.80 |
Half of dental assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,899.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,949.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,799.62 |
| Weekly | $899.81 |
| Hourly | $22.49 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,790 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Dental Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $48,540 | 2,730 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $48,200 | 1,200 |
| 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 |
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 |
| Maine | $60,070 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 |
| Oregon | $59,490 |
| Washington | $58,090 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 |
| North Dakota | $57,770 |
| Alaska | $57,710 |
| Connecticut | $56,850 |
See Dental Assistant pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $38,880 | $18.69 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $35,660 | $17.15 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,090 | $18.31 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $37,860 | $18.20 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $46,250 | $22.24 |
| Massage Therapist | $47,120 | $22.66 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $43,260 | $20.80 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $32,710 | $15.73 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $60,280 | $28.98 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $59,930 | $28.81 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $30,200 | $14.52 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make in Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $46,790 a year, or $22.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $60,140 a year. The top 25% earn $59,710 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,810 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $45,220 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Knoxville, TN?
About 1,030 dental assistants are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.