📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Dentist Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee · 12.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$159,130
per year
Median
$143,634
per year
Hourly
$76.5
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$76,619
25th Percentile — Junior$104,804
50th Percentile — Median$143,634
75th Percentile — Senior$168,219
90th Percentile — Top Earners$193,656
💡 Top-earning Dentists in Tennessee make up to $193,656 per year. The job market in Tennessee is rated strong, with key industries including Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$132.1k
2021
$137.1k
2022
$142.3k
2023
$147.7k
2024
$153.3k
2025
$159.1k
2026
📈 Dentist salaries in Tennessee have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong demand in Tennessee's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Dentist Salary by City in Tennessee
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Nashville $151,174 -5.0% High
Memphis $133,669 -16.0% High
🔍
Dentist Job Market in Tennessee
Key factors affecting compensation

Tennessee is home to a strong job market for Dentists. The state's key industries — Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $159,130 per year, Tennessee's Dentist salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Tennessee (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Tennessee can expect to earn $76,619–$104,804, while experienced Dentists can command $168,219–$193,656.

Looking ahead, the Dentist profession in Tennessee is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Healthcare continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Dentist salary in Tennessee is $159,130 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $180,830.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Dentists the highest wages in Tennessee due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Tennessee has a strong job market with major industries in Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism. This makes it one of the better states for Dentist employment.
  • At $159,130/year, Tennessee Dentist salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $180,830/year.