Average Dental Assistants Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
In Chattanooga, TN-GA, Dental Assistants earn an average annual salary of $44,840. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, a common trend in metropolitan areas where local economic factors and the specific demand for specialized roles can influence compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,030.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA area supports a local workforce of 590 Dental Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.9, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for dental professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-8.0%below the national average.
$21.6
$862
$3,737
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga is not provided, the dental assisting field nationally has experienced steady growth over the past four years. It is reasonable to assume that salaries in Chattanooga have also seen a commensurate upward trend, driven by increasing healthcare needs and advancements in dental technology.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA, typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Dental Assistants with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,550 | $17.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $33,630 | $16.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $45,390 | $21.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $56,050 | $26.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $57,030 | $27.4 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,840 in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in Chattanooga is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
2.188
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.90x the national average concentration of Dental Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.9 indicates that Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, offering good opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Dental Assistants Salary | $42,540↓ 5% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Dental Assistants Salary | $40,690↓ 9% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Dental Assistants Salary | $42,240↓ 6% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $41,340↓ 8% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $36,360↓ 19% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $44,840. This typically ranges from $36,550 for entry-level positions to $57,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 8.0% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $44,840 is stable and aligns with the national cost of living, it falls slightly below the national average salary for Dental Assistants.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($42,540) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's cost of living compare to the national average?
Chattanooga, TN-GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Dental Assistants in Chattanooga?
The Chattanooga, TN-GA metropolitan area employs approximately 590 Dental Assistants.
How does the concentration of Dental Assistants in Chattanooga compare nationally?
The Location Quotient for Dental Assistants in Chattanooga is 0.9, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
What is the average number of Dental Assistant jobs per 1,000 workers in Chattanooga?
In Chattanooga, TN-GA, there are approximately 2.188 jobs per 1,000 workers for Dental Assistants.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 2.188 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA